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Ask a question from your peers to help you in your professional work. Seek different points of view on a topic that interests you. Start a thought-provoking conversation about a hot, current topic. Encourage your peers to join you in the discussion, and feel free to facilitate the discussion. As a community of educators, all members of the Career Ed Lounge are empowered to act as a discussion facilitator to help us all learn from each other.

Questioning in the Classroom

Questioning in the classroom is a very important skill to have in order to become an effective classroom instructor. The objectives were well defined. The types of questions were explained and adequate examples were given. The incorporation of research studies added validity and substance to the course providing scientifically evidence based material. Information regarding wait time and bias that instructors sometime exhibit between good students and students that are less advanced was very enlightening and cause me to take more notice in my classroom questioning procedures. The tips provided in this course such as probing reinforcement & praise can be very beneficial and relevant when instructing the adult learner. Vernise Walker Dental Hygiene

The First Day

The first day of class often creates nerves both for students and the instructor. As we have learned in the module, the first day of class, can set the tone for the rest of the course. Having some sort of game is important. This relaxes the students, provides some laughs and helps everyone get to know each other. I teach Introduction to Psychology. One of the things I do is have a discussion about what they think the course is about. Often many students do not understand why they have to take the course, but after this discussion they are able to better understand how they use the topic everday.

Resources

The benefit of developing ones own resource packet is that you can use current material but you have to be careful of copyrights. Create a checklist to give yourself time to cover all critical items.

Preparation and confidience

When meeting the class for the first time an instructor needs to be prepared for class. The instructors confidence is half the battle.

Time

Managing time before, during, and after class is a key part of preparation. Being prepared for class makes you more confident as a teacher and shows your students you care.

Being Professional

Truly being confident in ones leadership is a big role in success. I also learned to watch the way instructors dress, conduct themselves, speak, and manage their time.

Individual accountability in group projects/assignments

When assigning group projects, it is important to assign individual work specifically designed to assess each student effectively,as well as eliminate any students taking credit for work done by another/other students in a group setting

Application

I teach an electrical class and give students a copy of wiring diagrams. Throughout the class and after explanation I will then provide a scenario. Usually Then I will have a student walk the class and myself through the diagnostic process until find the fault.

Lectures and note taking

Many students seem to get caught up in trying to write down/take notes on as much of what is said in a lecture as possible. I think they likely retain or understand less of the material that is presented because they are rushing to write. Does anyone have an opinion on giving students a basic printed synopsis of the lecture (which can also serve the instructor as bulk of the lesson plan)that has room for students to add comments, observations, etc... so that they can relax and listen better rather then just writing what they hear?

Questions

It is important to ask a variety of questions such as comprehensive open and closed questions so that students get a variety of learning

Implementing Instructions

As an instructor you have to make sure you teach to accommodate every learning style within your classroom. All students do not learn the same. You have those that are auditory, kinesthetic and visual learners and if you do not teach to all learning styles you will leave some students behind.

First Impressions

When students walk into your class on the first day whether they are younger or older, they are nervous and have no idea what to expect. As the instructor it is your job to make them feel like your classroom is a safe environment for them to learn and they should feel comfortable enough to ask questions and be themselves as it will help them relax more

Engaged Learning

Over the years I have become a huge fan of engaged learning. I find that attendance improves when students aren't tied to a chair for lecture and retention of subject matter increases. I would suggest fine development of engaged teaching skills to all new instructors.

First Impressions

Setting the stage on day 1 is essential for classroom success. Students must feel comfortable that you are the correct person to be in front of the classroom as the subject matter expert. By establishing your expectations and classroom policies on day 1 you are also setting your students up for success. Failure to establish, can result in a classroom environment that is not ideal for learning.

How do you plan your instruction to accommodate the different learning

To accommodate different learning styles, my first approach is to learn and understand the different learning styles of each student in my class. I try to decipher if there is one predominant learning style that I can plan my instruction around. If there is, then I will tailor my instruction to that specific learning style. Otherwise, I will plan to incorporate different instructional methods and technologies to accommodate all the learning styles in my class. Finally, I make my students aware of different learning styles and the reasons why I use a variety of instructional methods in my class. I warn my students that there will be some learning experiences that are not beneficial to them but to be patient and have an open mind because each classmate/student learns differently and has different learning styles. I believe that if students understand the different learning styles, they can appreciate the styles that are not as beneficial to them.

Topics best suited for slipped classroom

Typically, which subjects are best suited for a flipped classroom? Percentage of book work versus hands on work? I teach massage which by its very nature much more hands on than many other courses.

Measurable Objectives

I have found that when an instructor sets measurable objectives that clearly define the student learning, students tend to be more engaged in the learning process. I have used my objectives to show students who may be struggling that they have in fact learned new material as they are able to meet the daily objectives of the course. This is a great motivator for the struggling student.

Creative Syllabus

As a student I found the syllabus to be a huge component of getting started and settled in classes each semester. Some were simply bullet points of information, and others did convey some "personality" of the instructor. Does anyone have suggestions as to somewhat creative ways to make their syllabus stand out that has worked in the past?

Why is a positive first impression important when starting a new class

A positive first impression is imperative when starting a new class. A positive first impression sets the tone for the class and establishes an immediate rapport for the students. Without this positive first impression, it may be difficult to motivate students to learn as the semester progresses. The first impression sets the tone for the semester and creates the initial expectations for the class. A negative first impression will surely create animosity within the students and not allow for an environment conducive for learning. This positive first impression instills trust that the students need in the instructor to allow for a positive learning environment and classroom.

Motivation

I have found that over the years of working in the Career Technical education sector, many of my students count on us to be their motivator. I find this to be one of the most essential tools for an instructor in this field. the lack of outside support to complete their program can often influence the student to give up when the going gets tough. By motivating our students, we have a better chance to help them succeed.