It can be tricky keeping our students focused and willing to work for the full hour. This inattentiveness can stem from boredom, frustration, or mental fatigue, but there are effective strategies to combat this!

1. Encourage active participation

A passive student is an inattentive student! Instead of spending an hour lecturing and explaining, get them involved – get them to stand up beside you and work on the whiteboard, or ask them to explain a concept in their own words. This forces students to engage with the material physically and mentally, and will also have the added benefit of allowing us tutors to identity errors in real-time!

2. Take Strategic Breaks

Attention spans are limited, especially when dealing with dense subjects. A short break can significantly improve focus and retention. Playing just one game of uno or chatting about the weekend for a few minutes will break up the content and make them happier to continue to learn!

3. Vary Teaching Methods
Monotony leads to inattention. Mix up explanations with games, real-world examples, or short quizzes. Tailoring your approach to the student’s learning style (depending on whether they’re visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners) keeps things fresh and engaging!

Sophie McGrath