I teach a communications class and the first day of class we take a short learning style assessment. This works as both an eye opener for the student as well as an excellent ice breaker for the class. Students get paired up with their like learning style peers and brainstorm how they most comfortably learn, how others can effectively teach them a topic, and how they can use their learning styles when studying.

I like to use a role play to see what information has been retained from lecture and reading materials.

I know that we have gone to many of the tests from testing banks, but I do believe that there are time that it is really nice to write your own tests to challange your students knowledge.

I have found it beneficial to admit that I don't know and to look information up. It shows the students that we are always learning.

How to make sure that you are able to touch every learning style in the class can be challenging. How can you make sure to do this?

I am an instructor in a career school, but I have a non-traditional role. I do not have my own class/classroom. I pop in and out of other instructor's classes, with a predetermined schedule, to give presentations, hand out assignments and do quite a bit of cheerleading/motivating. I am able to develop relationships with students who are motivated to succeed, but since I do not work with each class on a daily basis, I'm having trouble motivating and connecting with students who are not as focused. I am new in my position and trying to do the best I can, but any suggestions on how to improve on making connections with students I do not see on a regular basis would be helpful.

Mini lecture broken up with other forms of learning. Video, games, acting something out, leadship skill groups, all seem to keep everyone awake, active, and learning.

Do an internet search for icebreakers, I use many and it helps student bond, relax, and get to know eachother.

With a quiet group I prefer to have them write a question and then I redistibute the questions to the class and have each student read that question recieved.

I try to cover all learning styles when possible. Lecture, Powerpoint, hands on, audio.

I use pretty much every topic that is available for testing. I like the variety and it gives the students more variation in their test taking skills.

My exams are both hands on and written. I feel the more hands on they get, the better they will remember. I also use powerpoint pictures and procedures that they have to identify. I feel that this is a good tool in helping all of the learning abilities!

I have had a few students that never are involved in class discussions. I finally decided to do a "whole class" question/answer role play. I am the client and my students are the technicians asking questions. I go around the room and everyone of the students has to come up with a question relating to the topic...I try and include real life senerio situations they can relate to. It seems to get the students who have been really quiet a better understanding of what the real world will be like and if they don't communicate with their classmates and instructors in college, they will struggle at a clinic!! I make that a HUGE point!

Susan During my Radiation Safety course, I had to teach basic atomic physics on about a tenth grade level ~ I found that by taking my lessons into the Star Trek realm, the students were able to consider theories outside their understanding of logic without fear of reprisal. This lead to some very interesting discussions ~ and good understanding of those pesky theories.

With my classes I try and include different types of learning styles. I seem to have the most luck with mock scenarios for teh CJ programs. We have many trials in class and relate the topic to current events and past sensational cases. Works well...the only complaint I get is that time goes too quickly.

Since I teach online, I typically use the multiple choice format since I can take items from the book, PowerPooints and videos. Then I can apply them to the test. I also throw in some short essay questions as well to see how they explain processes.

With the classes I teach, I try and include all different types of learning styles. We do hands on, power points and also reading assignments. For the most part, I feel that it works well!!

Making a good first impression

It is interesting to stand back and watch students work after groups are chosen and assignments given. Often the group dynamics between them is entertaining as they have fun while they learn.

I enjoy moving around the room. However, I find that classroom equipment is becoming more difficult to dodge. I also have learned about new computer write boards. Any suggestions?