I have trouble remembering names. Any helpful hints?

Is it acceptable to use a previous instructor's outline and modify it to make it your own?

When creating groups there are two different ways I have found work for my students. Depending on how many students are in class. I put that many colored envelopes out with numbers from 1-6 in individual colored envelopes. Each person with simular numbers group get together and form a team. The second way has been to group equal number of new students with an equal number of existing student. This forms a more versatile team. Both ways have created great outcomes.

When teaching, I make sure that I rotate my line of vision thoughout the classroom. This method also works to ensure that all students are understanding the topic.

Stepping into a classroom environment after 19 years in the field doing everything from computer repair to high voltage towers, it was a culture shock. Anyone that has spent any time in an occupation has been an instructor at one time or another. The format for OJT is definitely easier for me to be effective in. After a year in the classroom I have noticed that my normal sarcastic attitude does not go over quite as well as at a job site. The first key, I have learned, to developing into an effective instructor is management of the classroom. Many students try to take control of the room, as well as, not give the course their undivided attention. While we are all adults, many students still have yet to develop the professional attitude in dealing with differing groups. Once the classroom is effectively lead, the rest just seems to fall into place.

I am very new to teaching. I actually have not taught a class at this time. When I do start teaching what are some of the questions I should ask myself about the progress I am making in my instructional growth. Thanks, Cindy

I teach evening classes. 6-10 pm. I find it difficult to get the students interested in trying something new. They know the routine and not all of them appreciate "change". I realize that they have been working all day and just want to get done with class. Ideas to help change the negative attitude of some of the students would be appreciated. :) Kim

Learning the different learning and teaching styles was very useful. However, one component is missing from this tutorial--gauging understanding using these different learning styles. Many instructors default to paper/online tests and quizzes, which cater to only a few learning styles. How do we create effective assessments for kinesthetic and auditory learners?

I am curious to know what people think about using a wide range of these methods of assessment in a single exam. I currently have exams that utilize multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and essays. Is combining assessment types a good method to use?

I was hoping I might get more information on the evaluation of group projects. The four assessments outlined are helpful, but I wonder how to best implement an evaluation of individuals within a group. The module suggested that peer evaluations might work, but often do not. Outside of peer evals, are there any other methods to gauge individual involvement in group projects?

I teach English, and in many of my classes there simply are not right or wrong answers, only opinions instead. Occasionally, I will have a class where one student will offer a response to one of these opinion based questions, and the rest of the class seems to accept that as "the" answer, the only answer. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions on how I can keep these discussions from ending after a single response?

I was pleased to see that I already incorporate a wide range of teaching delivery methods for my students. However, the one learning style that I am missing is kinesthetic. I currently use lecture, small group discussion, class discussion, power points, in class writings, reading stories aloud, and student presentations in the English classes I teach. Does anyone have any suggestions of ways that I could incorporate a more kinesthetic approach to learning in my class?

I'm teaching for the first time and I was looking for some helful hints to stay organized and remember to do all the things that need to be done.

The subjects that I teach (math and statistics) lend themselves to active learning. Math is a tool which is used on the job for problem solving; this is kind of a definition of analytical thinking. I use several different things in my classroom. However, I do use a form of lecture to present concepts and how to use the mathemtical tools which they have to learn. During my "lectures," my students are directed to help me do the problem by telling me what to write on the board. During the problems, we discuss why certain things are done. In order for math to be used effectively, it should be thought of a toolkit, and the student needs to be able to pull out the correct tool to solve the problem. In Statistics, we use small groups and individual work. In one of the assignments, the students develop online surveys, send them out to fellow students, access the information, analyse the information, and develop conclusions concerning the respondees. The active learning methodology works very well when you are trying to teach critical and analytical thinking skills.

I am unconfortable with eye contact. I usually look at someones teeth when I speek to them. Any helpful hints in developing my skills in eye contact?

I discovered through this course that I was asking more closed than open question and did not allow enough wait-times. I like the concept of redirection. I will strive to get away from procedural questions sush as "are there any questions?" by asking if I can answer any questions they might have on the assignment at this time..

I agree with the statement that learning styles affects how a person learns, acts in group settings,participates in classroom discussions, solves problems. Its how we perceive, gather and process information. Everyone has different ways of learning. Knowing what your students learning styles are will make learning easier therefore making it more enjoyable for them to learn, which makes the instructors job less stressful.

I remember clearly my kindergarten teacher in elementary school. Out of all my teachers throughout elementary school, junior high and high school I remeber her most of all because she was always dressed so well and her hair was always perfect and her shoes always shinned. I wanted to become a teacher just like her. Being a "model" as an instructor is very important. Most of the students do take notice.

Knowing how my students perferr to receive and retain information, will help me to know how to deliver the information needed for them to pass their test and use this information to help them in their career.

Great topic! When I am teaching I like asking (all students) questions becuase it helps me to know if they are understanding the topic being taught. I also like creating games that have differnt questions. When the student answers the question, I ask for a short reason why she/he went with that specific answer. If there is something answered wrong, I then refer to the pg/chapter and explain it in a differnt way as before.