Peter Brooks

That sounds like a really good solution. A visual cue will help them to realize that maybe it's not the right time for feedback, or that they have been speaking too long or off the topic. Nice idea.

Kara Hardman

Hi Mary Ann,
I'm a new instructor, too, so I'm just sharing my own opinion about your student interrupting class with questions. Since the students are already aware of their ADD, you could just state upfront that although discussions and comments are welcome, you can't allow them to take over the class if they're not timely. Maybe tell them you will be using a hand gesture to just show that you've acknowledged them, but you will be continuing with the lecture without interruption. So, as you're talking and the student starts to interrupt, you raise your hand in the gesture and keep speaking. That way, you both are respecting each other, but you can feel free to keep going. That may also help them start to recognize and take control of their own impulses to interrupt.

Mary Ann Bulcher

Hi Alicia,

I am a new instructor as well. I have taught CPR for a few years and have had experience with one on one patient teaching as a nurse as well. But I am now trying the classroom setting.

It has been challenging to figure out what my style is and if it is the right style that will be most effective in helping me stay on schedule with my syllabus. I'm hoping each quarter, I will get better at this.

Here are a few questions. I am easily distracted off content. Currently, my strategy has been to use power point presentations to help me remain focused and not miss content. It has been helpful, but it takes a lot of time away from interaction, and from practicing skills. Any suggestions?

Combined with that is the fact that all of my students have ADD, and in particular, the one who likes to interact with the instructor the most also gets off on tangents and stories. I try to respectfully acknowledge what she has shared, and then redirect back to what needs to be happening. But it is still taking up plenty of class time and I don't feel right just breaking into the middle of her response and interrupting her. Is there a better way?

Mary Ann Bulcher

Lucinda Hunsberger

I have been an instructor for roughly over a year now and I find each day to be different and challenging. It is hard being a new instructor to figure out what will work with your students learning styles and how to teach them in a way that is motivating and stimulating to them; keeping them engaged. It does get easier, but with being an instructor you always have things to learn.

Gabriela Candido

Hi Alicia,
I can relate to your statement that each course you teach reveals new learning styles and approaches. My social-work background trained me to use a client-centered/person-centered approach. As discussed throughout this course, our styles and strategies will shift and creativity may be required depending on the course and students.

I notice this difference between my two groups of students as well. We cover the exact same material during the same week, yet each group requires its own level of encouragement, interaction, engagement, etc.
--Gabriela Candido

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Alicia,
Welcome to the profession. I wish you much success in your teaching career. Your search for your instructional style should be ongoing because if you are searching for your style you will also be looking for new ideas, strategies and methods to bring to your classroom. This is the fun and creative part of being a teacher.
Gary