I find that writing down a list is better and saves more time than trying to remember what needs to be done.

I do follow the rule about being introspective. I try to review what went wrong and what went right with each day. I find it help both in the short term and the long term. Comments

As long as your alive, it will never end, learn to like it.

I have a student that is truly a pleasure to have in the class. He always participates and is eager to answer questions during class. He is not always right in his answers; however, he shows that he has a basic understanding. I usually try to reinforce their previous course work into my training in an effort to show how the course all work together towards a commone goal and how they all work together to grow knowledge. I have found through my daily labs that he hasn't retained any of his training from his previous class - in this case electrical theory. I don't understand how he pass the course when he can do a simple two resistor network and how to determine the voltage drop across a single resistor. Of course, I hear stories about no lab work in his previous class, not enough time to absorb the material etc. But, how did he pass the class? He is depending upon formulas that he doesn't understand. This is a simple voltage divider circuit that you would generally learn in high school electricity. I really enjoy this man's participation. I must admit that I don't want to fail him. I know that he has significant issues at home at he IS pulling himself up from his bootstraps. I've offered office hours. I've offererd (and spent my time) with him alone during breaks so as not to disrupt the class. I ensure that I do not embarass him. But, in good concious, I cannot pass him onto the next instructor - this is a "for Pay" school. And droping someone is a significant deal. I can't make him someone elses problem; but, I don't know that he will understand being held back at least to course in my opinion. What do you recommend? This gentleman is truly a pleasure to work with. Any and all recommendations are welcome. thank you, jay

I find that each student has their own challenges. One difficultly that I have been having is while training the student that "acts up" for the sake of arguement, the other students are not aware that you are addressing the problem. Certainly, it is not my place to discuss any disaplinary, or specialized training, with the rest of the class. I'd be interested to know how others handle this situation. Although they do see the difference over time, it doesn't stop the rumor mill, or the scuttlebutt. How do you recommend letting the other students know that the behavior is being addressed without sharing confidential information regardin the student that is affecting the overall class perception? I am open to all recommendations and thank you. jay

Should this method of grading be avoided, since some students may feel it is an invasion of their personal privacy?

I must admit that it does provide for a great guidline; but, as with our Constitution, it must be an evolving document as situations and learning opportunities evolve. I agree that the primary objective should remain the same; but, at the same time, we mustn't miss the opportunity to add, and delete, activities as the classs progresses.

If an Instructor is taking time to organize tasks pertaining to students, other Instructors and administraters, is he/she not being controled? Therefore, how can this not be true?

I just finished the first module and I was intrigued by the Harvard video in which the instructor talks about encouraging your students to "share without expertise". I think this is a great idea, and I'd love to learn more about the best way to go about it. Any suggestions?

Cheating is not about the student who cheat is about the student who spend a lot of time to study in order to obtain a good grade. It is not fair to others to let student cheating. It is a lack of respect for the good student.

There is a big difference between being friendly and being a friend. You have to draw the line. Students could be confused if you don't, you must be to be as clear as possible about it.

Every class I have fluctuates in size. My outline for the class is suited for a big group. I have found that I tend to get through material faster with a smaller group. Instead, of looking as if I'm "unprepared" I've had to add assignments or projects on the fly to make up for the extra time.

I've added a few assignments to my class that gets the quiet/shy students to speak out in class. Some of these include class introductions, presentations & staff interviews. I've also noticed that the extroverted student will usually encourage the quiet/shy student to come out of their shell.

By including guest speakers and field trips you add variety in the classroom. Mixing it up keeps class interesting.

The Pacific Institute videos have helped me engage my students by asking three questions everyday. 1. What went well today? 2. What are you most proud of today? 3. What do you look forward to tomorrow? These three questions not only make them think in a positive light, but also creates classroom discussion. The third question has them looking forward to something that will happen the next day that encourages them to want to go to class.

What is the best way to approach students that have taken credit for work, for na group project, that they have not done?

What does one do when a student blames your attepts to correct his/her behavior on racial prejudice?

One thing I learned early in my teaching career is that I don’t want to have the students look upon me as a buddy or a friend. I keep my relationship with my students on a professional level at all times.

I'd like to hear from some of you what are the most problematic areas in a teacher's life that cause stress. I feel that my company, and the way they do things is the most stressful thing that I have to deal with. The nature of big business today is the lack of personal connection, which leads to confusion and stress.

The amount of regular excercise I get is the best way I can manage my stress level. I enjoy swimming and it allows me to relax and get out of my head. The life of a instructor can be stressful due to all the factors that you have to manage.( students, administration, homelife )