Tremayne Simpson

alyson, All instructors have had this issue with their students. Since we are preparing the students for the career world, it is important that we provide them with opportunities to "curb" or limit their habits of procrastination. Unfortunately, the opportunities that instructors provide to their students have to come in the form of "tough love", in that receiving poor grades and suffering consequences will hopefully, force them to change the behavior. The key is for instructors to stick to their course policies/standards and provide periodic reminders to their students. Tremayne Simpson

Rhina, I implement current events into my courses as well. Students are generally fascinated, when they are able to see a direct connection with the material that they are learning and "the real world". Providing relevant projects of this sort, gives them an opportunity to make the connections, autonomously. Tremayne Simpson

Dorothy, The "tomorrow" lesson plan, is a subtle yet important method for ensuring that the students are engaged and excited about the next class session. I have used this method with my classes and I always find a way to provide a provocative "teaser" at the end, that encourages them to arrive to class early for the next session. Tremayne Simpson

Laura, This is a great idea for assessing your students' knowledge of the subject. Also, having an informal conversation about their interests and prior knowledge, generally enables them to provide, candid thoughts regarding the course. Tremayne Simpson

Carmen, I feel that it is best for an instructor to "fall within the continuum". It is not effective to be "too restrictive" with scheduling and it is also not a good idea to be "too flexible" with the planning. The best solution is to present a lesson plan that has ample room for flexibility and customization. Tremayne Simpson

Carmen, I feel that it is best for an instructor to "fall within the continuum". It is not effective to be "too restrictive" with scheduling and it is also not a good idea to be "too flexible" with the planning. The best solution is to present a lesson plan that has ample room for flexibility and customization. Tremayne Simpson

Deborah, I agree. For instructors that have large classes, discussion boards can be used in a similar manner, to assess whether the students have approached a particular, level of mastery. Tremayne Simpson

Taryn, I agree. In addition, the campus library/learning resource center should have holdings available, that represent the field standards for all programs. With these resources, students can research industry standards and compare them with the concepts that they are learning in their courses. Tremayne Simpson

Lawrence , I agree. Lesson plans can serve as evidence, of continuous, instructional improvement. An administrator can easily review an instructor's lesson plans, to see if there have been revisions made to the course and/or delivery methods. Lesson plans that are not revised, generally reflect an instructor that is teaching a "stale" class. Tremayne Simpson

Taryn, I agree. Collaborative activities can serve as an alternative form of student assessment and a great opportunity to encourage student participation. In smaller groups, students are generally more comfortable with sharing their opinions and understanding of the class topic. Tremayne Simpson