What experiences can you share to a new teacher to help prevent bad decisions?

The expectations of an Instructor are overwhelming for the first class.

As a new instructor in training it has been suggested by my training manager, and upon reflection I agree, that I should bring the level of my vocabulary down a notch or two. How would you suggest that I find alternatives for the words and phrases that naturally pop into my mind when describing course material?

I think it is wise to use a wide variety of assessment techniques. While there are instances where multiple choice is appropriate, certainly essay questions provide a challenge to students as well. Using these assessments also provides the instructor an opportunity to gather data on student skill level in regards to writing.

I teach an interpersonal relations course and I find it fascinating when students realize how important these skills are. Employers note that technical skills are not the primary reason for employee terminations, but rather an inability to communicate well with others. I think many of us take these skills for granted and assume our students are well versed. At the end of my course, students tend to comment on how beneficial these skills are to not only their careers, but their personal life as well.

Over time I have learned that questioning students, and giving them adequate time to respond, is essential. Too often, I would not receive and answer and then move on. Waiting and perhaps phrasing the question differently, allowed students to have time to process and respond.

I teach computers with Medical assistance and Medical billing students. I found out through teaching experiance 50% of my students are Kinesthetic, 30% Visual and 20% written. So I used PowerPoint presentation with pictures. I also briefly minimize the PowerPoint presentation to demonstrate what I have been lecturing. The result was phenomenal.

Both classes I will be teaching this semester have been together for a year now and had the same instructor the whole time. I am the "new teacher". Any tips for me? I am afraid I will be eyed with suspicion and they might try to "get one over on me".

What do you think is the best way to develop an instructional style?

When forming student learning groups the instructor has to be careful that he or she does not over load the group with the better students. while seeking diversity one must be aware that everyone has to participate.

I always keep moving about the class room, because it helps by keeping the students engaged in the lesson. They feel as thou they are involved in the days activities.

I have found in my past three years of teaching that a very detailed lesson plan works the best. On the first day of class I always tell my students there will be no surprises. They will always know what is expected of them; however, that doesn't mean you can't be spontaneous in the classroom--you need a strong dose of both to keep your students interested and on track! Jodie Liedke

This is my first time teaching in a classroom atmosphere. I have trained and provided presentations in my previous job. So, I am not too nervous to stand in front of a classroom, my nerves are more due to the new challenges this will provide. What are some words of advisability for a new instructor who has never taught in a classroom setting with students who are either beginning their first career or who were displaced and are acquiring a new career? What happens if I am challenge and cannot come up with a response? I know to be honest and state do not know and that I will get the answer for you or can I throw it out to the class to come up with an answer as teamwork, is that feasible?

Dont's: 1.Dont try to prove to your students that you're the smartest. 2.Dont Babysit them Do's: 1.Convince them how you love teaching and how you like the subject matter you're teaching. 2.Organize thoughts, plans, accomplishments in a timely manner.

I was thinking about coming up with a survey to give to the students on the first day of class to get a feel for their learning styles. Are there any suggestions on how to come up with this?

In addition to the teacher giving a brief introduction about their background and experience, I find it helpful to find out a little bit about each student and their goals for the class. What are some good questions for them to answer after they are asked to introduce themselves? For example, what do they hope to accomplish as a result of taking the course? Are there other questions I can ask them so I can get to know a little bit about them?

Can anyone in this forum list some games for Information Technlogy? I read some interesting comments on this forum and would need more fun games to add to perceived boring IT curriculum.

This module has some outstanding color choices and explanatation for the color and effects to the mood condusive to learning. Can anyone actually designed classes based on color scheme? If so, list some guidelines in doing this including lighting, etc.

Can anyone is this forum give me some music list for following categories. 1. Alertness 2. Relaxation 3. 45 to 72 beats per minute songs.

As I mentioned in my previous discussion thread, I am a new instructor and have never taught before. In my masters program, I was required to give multiple presentations for each course. Initiating a discussion was one of the things I found most challenging during my presentations. What are some good ways to initiate group discussion and to facilitate it?