I am a new instructor and have not started teaching yet. I am in the prepatory stages of teaching.
I am very excited myself to start instructing and hope that my positive and exciting energy fills the classroom with that environment.
I plan to let them know how important of a career they will have and how they will have the opportunity to touch lives in a time of crisis and need.
I am going to do an ice breaker that was recommended in ED103 and then I might to an imagery exercise and paint the picture of their future job so they can imagine themselves there NOW and get pumped up about getting there.
let me know what you think.
I like to express the relevancy of my course to my students' lives.
I like to build on the student’s knowledge from previous classes. I start by asking question that helps me gauge their level of knowledge. These questions can show them the level of knowledge that they have already achieved. By showing them how far they have come in their education, it can calm their fears about the complexities of the subject matter and rumors that they may have heard from previous students. I then explain that this level of learning that they have achieved can now be built on and that I will now be able to teach them more of the practical application. When they realize how much they have learned they tend to get more excited about moving forward.
Hi Terri, I agree with you about making it a point to say hi to everyone with a smile on my face. Even students in the other courses know who I am and they all seem very happy to see me. My students who are in general education classes at this time, I still make it a point to see them every day to touch base, offer encouragement, and let them know I'm available.
in my foreign language class i usually have students that are already familiar with the language, so to excite and challenge especially thos studets i let them mentor the english speakers and be leaders in different types of group activities, and they love it. along with the english speakers.
Students in general need to feel engaged. I will allow some discussion time in the classroom when a topic that is being discussed is a "hot" topic. I think that if everyone is participating and learning then it is good to facilitate their own thought processes and then there is a general understanding and provides a platform for the students to hear and understand one another.
I try to give my students as many examples of real life situations that utilize the information I am giving them as possible so that can see the validity of what is being discussed.
I try to get students to relate their past experiences to the content. If they contribute to the discussion, then they will be more eager about the class. I get them moving about in the classroom, such as doing debates and making them get up and move to the sides of the classroom.
Hi Todd,
Absolutely! It excites students as well as put them at ease whenever they can see examples.
Patricia
I always start off my class with the knowledge that they are now professionals and that they deserve respect. This seems to make them feel good about themselves and starts them learning more. I have these students for 13 days and have a lot of info to get them to learn. Any sugestions for limited time icebreakers is welcome.
hand them completed material form prior students as examples
Hi David,
Most of our students don't read. They depend on us to summarize the chapters for them. If you have seen a differnce, continue to encourage your students to read. Afterall, they are in college and they should read.
Patricia
My difficulty with this is the short time I have with my students and that classes are daily during this classroom time. Planning ahead, I do have one or two weekends where I could give assignments for over the weekend but currently my biggest challenge is getting them to read ahead with the intent of lecture solidifying information they are acquiring. Or am I dreaming that any actually do this? Most seem to be able to continue the interactive portions at least adequately and test scores are improving since adopting this method.
I mostly teach faculty,,, so it's important to know what is motivating them to come to my class.. What questions do they need answered...
Relevance is key. One of my professors always stressed connecting the dots.. so it's important to pass that on to our students as well.
Hi Krista,
What a great way to get students interested and involved. I can see how this would motivate the student.
Patricia
At the beginning of a different topic, I have asked students to research then bring their topics to class for us to discuss how the information that we will be lectured on impacts their future profession. I have seen students become more motivated if they see the reasons for learning the material.
I use a very similar style. I always greet each student at the beginning of class with a big smile. If time, I ask how they are doing...showing interest in them. I also start each class telling my students "what great things we will be doing today". This often generates enthusiam from the class, and shows that I am excited to share with them.
Hi Edna,
Visaul aids are life savers. People normally get it whenever visual aids are utilized. Seeing is believing.
Patricia
Hi Carrie,
Wow, you got me excited! Cookies are my favorite. I can see how this can get students excited about the course content. I love the incentive--not having to clean; I can understand how this can highly be sought after. Great ideas!
Patricia
