Your teaching style and classroom pace may affect how awake students are during class. Use interactive presentations wherever possible that require students’ participation and input. When a student knows she may be responsible for answering a question or participating in a discussion, she is less likely to go to sleep. Give students real-life scenarios. For example, you could use a real-life, superlative vote in schools -- something many students care about -- to illustrate the importance of voting, according to the “San Antonio Express-News.” By giving students an example they understand, they can relate to the example and be engaged in your classroom presentation.
Taking a water break or short time for physical activity during class to keep students’ blood flowing and their bodies awake. Examples include taking a five-minute stretch or walking break or even a few jumping jacks in place. These techniques can help to reduce fatigue and encourage physical activity in students.
Play a short, 10-minute game to test for comprehension and understanding during class. Because games require active participation and teamwork, students are more likely to stay awake. Examples of games to try include ones that test memory, spelling or word association. Break students into groups where they are responsible for their own discussions, such as over a case study or brainstorming session. By changing the pace of your class and giving students a smaller group to participate in, students can become more engaged in the presentation.
Scheduling student presentations for at least one class period can put students in your shoes for a day. In addition to allowing your students to show their knowledge, student presentations also can teach you about some of the ways they would like to be engaged in the future. Sometimes, students falling asleep in class can indicate they are not gaining an understanding of the material or have lost interest. By continually checking in with your students and ensuring they understand the material, you are likely to experience fewer sleepers in class.