GTA Topic: Tips to Keep Students Engaged During Mid-Semester Weariness
Written by: Kimberly Conely
WSU Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) enjoyed lunch and a lively discussion during the OTL sponsored Brown Bag Session held on Friday, January 25, in the Simons Room at the Purdy-Kresge Library. Sara Tipton,
a lecturer from the English Language Institute, proposed several ways GTAs can address the all-too-common, mid-semester student burnout and lethargy.
Ms. Tipton suggested GTAs recall their own experiences as students and reminded them that their students aren’t any different. To keep students engaged, Ms. Tipton made the following three suggestions:
- Create enthusiasm by challenging students to make connections between the real world and the course content.
- Energize your classroom by being enthusiastic yourself and encouraging class participation.
- Build momentum by keeping students engaged and offering feedback mid-term on final projects.
In addition to Ms. Tipton’s suggestions, several GTAs shared their own tips on motivating students, such as awarding extra credit for perfect attendance.
The next GTA Brown Bag is scheduled for March 28, 2008; check the OTL site for further details. All WSU GTAs are invited!
Kimberly Conely, M.A.Instructional Consultant, Office for Teaching & Learning
ai6513@wayne.edu
(313) 577-0250