As an older (in age) instructor with many years in a private industry field, I have been asked by new instructors who are chronologically younger than their students, "How do I approach the classroom?" My advise is to have them always explain their field experience, successes, and their love of teaching. What are some other pieces of advise that can be given?

What can an instructor do to involve students for whom English is a second language?

I try to incorporate ice breaker activities into my first day lesson plan. Usually, I spend a lot of time introducing the class, the course objectives, grading criteria (i.e. the syllabus). Then, I do one or more ice breaker activities. I have many in my teaching bag of tricks, but I am always looking for new ideas. What are some of the ice breaker activities that you have effectively used? What makes an ice breaker activity worthwhile? Is the goal merely to get students to interact and establish classroom climate / rapport? Do activities have to be tied to the curriculum you teach to be effective? What are your thoughts / insights?

One of the best pieces of advice given to me before the first class I ever taught was; go in with confidence in the knowledge that I have and not to tell the students that it was my first class.

I always explain my expectations to students regarding cheating. I let them know that it is unacceptable and if caught there will be a penalty. I also explain to them that the only person they are cheating is themselves and their future employer, because then they don't know if they have truly mastered the content and can be successful and productive in their chosen career.

I think having guest speakers come into the classroom is an excellent way to keep students motivated and interested in the course content. It allows students to ask questions and see the various paths their career can take once they are done with school.

There are several factors that play a part in my decision as to whether I will accept late assignments from students; the reason it is late, if there is a pattern, and the type of assignment. Once I decide to accept a late assignment there is always a penalty associated with it. I think it is important for students to understand that classes are a foundation for their work ethics and that they need to build strong ones early on.

Bragging about what you have done in the particular field you are instructing on is definitely a major mistake. Personally, I feel as though students feel as though you think you have all of the answers because of this.

By ignoring cheating students you also give it the "ok" to other students indirectly that cheating is ok which of course it is not ok. Students see everything that goes on in a classroom.

I believe that students that blame others need some one on one time with the instructor to see exactly what they are not understanding or need help with. These students need the most help if they are willing to accept help.

There should definitely be a penalty put in place for late work because it is highly unfair to those students that have worked hard to get their assignments in on time.

Bills seem to cause many people stress even is that person is wealthy because it forces you to pay for something that is possibly needed and not something you want to pay for. I find that bills can increase more stress if you do not have a financial solution to that stress. I am thinking about speaking to a financial advisor.

I desire peace in my life. Therefore, before I get stressed out, I try my best to find do or find things that I enjoy...such as playing computer games. This really helps me move forward with stressful situations.

I use 3 binder notebooks to keep all classes that I teach organized. This way I can always refer to them when I need something. It also helps me stay organized especially if I have grades some papers.

Cheating is something that everyone must understand will happen for many reasons. You must incorporate it in your classroom management.

It is best to write down goals, but I hear people who state that they don't have time to write down those goals. What can I tell them?

Do instructors recognize their own limitations?

What are some of the tools that you use to encourage students to take responsibility?

How closely do you think student watch you?

Using The Board as a tool for Expression