Learning should also be fun. After having been an Information Technology professional for over 25 years and an educator for 15+ years, I use my IT skills to create fun and educational online games to use in the classroom to review prior lessons to prepare for exams, to schema build to determine what they already know, and to introduce new materials. My students enjoy these games, because they are different assessment tools, and they can be fun. If the class has 8 or more students, I will put them in groups to play the games. At times I use the games to award extra points. Each time they win a round in the game, they have to explain to the class what the “word” or “phrase” means. If you would like to use these tools, you may visit www.wordup2u.com. I would also appreciate feedback on the games.

I find it fasinating that there are different styles of learning. I use these in my classroom at all times which helps with retention.

Does anyone have advanced IT courses, such as Server 2008? The material is very detailed and complex. I use simulations for practice and to drive-home some skills, as well as Microsoft training materials, but a lot of the material is not suited for active lessons within our class time. Does anyone else have classes like this? I have no problem creating activities for the introductory classes, but the higher level ones are a challenge.

I guess it is very easy to utilize the way your teachers taught when you were young and you want to replicate that format. How does one break away from that habit? I realize there are so many other options, however; it is very difficult to change. Your thought's?

I don't personally think that the general amount of communication that takes place between the student and instructor is sufficient. One on one communication is vastly (in my opinion) being a thing of the past. Texting and tweeting and the electronic era is de-scentitizing one on one human communication. Your thought's?

With all the classroom planning and preparation, what different techniques can be used by the instructor?

I like to introduce myself, tell a little about my teaching experience, work experience, etc. then I call the roll. I give the students an index card where they put their full name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and any information they want me to know. I give them a second card where they tell me what name they want to be called. Then we go around the room in radom order and each student introduces themselves to the class. Then I hand a game search of questions so they can get to know one another. This really helps the students get to know one another.

I teach an Anatomy and Physiology class and I have one student that is a complainer that states she is bored with the class. I try to think of creative ways for them to learn the content, besides reading the chapters all the time. Any other suggestions?

When I meet my class for the first time, I like to do several ice-breakers to engage them and make them feel comfortable. Anyone have and other ideas?

I always feel it is needed to have everything planned for my class, managing their time and mine is important. Thats why I like lesson plans

I also seem to push my students to strive for perfection however sometines they get discouraged

I mainly use two strategies to bring relevant course content to the students: 1) review the course and curriculum requirements and 2) guest speakers. I am a nursing instructor and there are certain requirements that students must learn to get their degrees. As I plan my course and do my lesson plans, I review those requirements often to help me keep on track. My second strategy is great for me and the students. Hearing from different professionals help the students understand the relevancy of the content and being able to connect it to the "real" world helps solidify its importance. It's great for me because I get a little rest!

I agree with the postings that say be clear, walk the talk, and be human. I try to set the stage by being clear about my expectations. I've learn that I can' assume students (or anyone else) can read my mind so I have to verbalize using simple and straightforward language. "My expectations from you are...." Then I think it's very important to be a role model. Students are smart! They know how to get around the system and if they see you not living up to your standards, they don't feel the need to do it themselves! And lastly, we are all humans who don't do things 100% of the time. So when there are times when you or the students do not meet expectations it is very important to acknowledge the consequences.

By re-enforcing to the students that the success of the educational program(s) are realistic goals. That these goals will promote success in their future career goal.

I think of the learning environment as similar to parenting. You have to be supportive of the students so they can learn and make mistakes, but you can't be their "pal" and give them what they want when it's not conducive to learning. I find that faculty I've had or worked with sometimes try to cater to the students so much, they've just cut the student's learning experience. I think having clear, consistent, and appropriate expectations make a positive learning environment where both students and teachers know what their roles are (even if the outcome is negative i.e. bad grades).

Taking a thorough assesment of your classroom will provide the instructor an opportunity to eliminate any environmental barriers.

The common sense approach has been my most effective method of getting the students to have a real interest in their learning.

The Pygmalion Effect states it is a theory that claims a learner does as well as you think he or she can. I do agree with that. I was reading in a textbook that some people are fearful of trying to do certain task because they are told that they cannot do it. Even though this occurs, it is totally our responsilblity as instructors to help our students to get on task. We should be able to find ways to address the issues so that it can provide successful performances by the student.

I think it's so important to show your students that we care about them as people and about their success. The students can see through a phony. Listen to the student! Sometimes this will take more of your energy, but thats when the students needs you the most.

I think we all can do a lot more then just say "Hello my name is ". In my opinion this does nothing to break down the barriers the students bring to school. I like to think we can do this with a more creative flare. Personally I like to open up the very first day with something funny and then tell the students about myself. I Then put the students into pairs and they talk and get to know each other. They then introduce their new classmate to the others and share what they learned about them. Here is a fun game........ I have done this to get the student barriers broken down with each other the first day. I list about 10 things on the board ex. who has a pet snake , longest time to get to school, largest family size, who has been to alaska ok I think you have the idea. I then let the entire class loose to chat with each other and try to find who in the class fits the questions I asked. This gets the entire class at a distance of personal space leading to barrier break down. They are told to chat with as many students as they can before the allowed time has ended. I remind them to switch to keep them moving to more students. I then ask who has the answers to the questions I listed on the board. This is a great way to ingage the class ask questions and begin a rapport with them. I hope you will give it a try or think of another way to break down barriers the first day of school.