How do you know if your a good instructor?

Is there any way to assess a students prefered learning style before they start a program. Often times a student is 1/3 of the way or more through school before their stlye is identified. It would be great if there was somethig to identify their style upon admission to school...

As I teach in a school which has a very diverse population (South Florida), I have to deal with students of various language/understanding skills. As it mentions through this section, it helps to learn some words of the students' language. Since I am a multilingual speaker, I tend to bring out words the students will understand from their own language so they will understand the day's topic. It also helps that the classes I tend to teach tend to focus on topics which are close to most international/other language students.

HI Everyone... I wanted to start a thread about professional organizations that you are a member of to pass along to all instructors who read this discussion. This would be a great list to share for our professional development plans. I am in the Twin Cities area and there are two groups that I would like to mention right away: 1. ASTD - American Society of Training and Development. They are a national organization and have local chapters all over the United States. www.astd.org 2. PACT - Professional Association of Computer Trainers. This one is specific to MN. The website is www.pactvision.net Thanks for contributing!

I do try to keep my classes fresh and up to date by relating the subject matter to current events, when possible. I'm just wondering what do other instructors do to keep their material fresh, to avoid becoming stale and boring?

I teach online. Before class begins, I think its important to post a welcome letter, a meet & greet discussion board, and a list of student expectations. I introduce myself in the meet & greet, including my professional background. For the most part, the students respond positively.

Many times, I have had students come to me and express their fears about their ability to complete the course successfully. I try to let them know, that even though they are expected to perform, the classroom is safe. I tell them that many other people have completed the course successfully, and the odds are their favor, if they apply themselves. I'm just wondering what other instructors do to reduce their students' anxiety.

I had to teach one year with little to no hands on materials. I instead made the students create and act out scenarios. The would have to create paper props, so even though we did not have any actual materials we had paper ones and they really did well. However, I would really like some more ideas on things that someone could do with limited resources.

I find that if you stay in one place the energy of the class and of the students starts lacking. However, once I start moving, with the students following me they are almost always paying attention to see what I will do next. I also tend to stress important topics that they should remember using hand gestures and movements. When I'm excited about a topic, I show it and the students seem to take it in like osmosis.

Is there a realation or sub division of styles of learning to the science- art of the brain?

I always struggle keeping eye contact with all my students equally. My class usually has 50% that want to talk and communicate and the rest just want to be there without commenting at all about any subject. It is very easy to get carried away and converse with the enthusiastic ones. It is always a challenge for me to consciously make eye contact with all equally. I feel like a conscious effort regularly works more than just feeling bad later on.

I'm reading a book right now that addresses the importance of movement/exercise when it comes to learning. It appears that it is valid for both young and mature learners - in fact, movement and exercise is really good for the brain. Does anyone integrate movement into their curriculum to assist with learning?

I have found that this can be tough sometimes to keep the students awake and listening to a lecture. I now use a coffee maker and make the discussions a little briefer to help keep them awake

What are some strategies for keeping students engaged throughout the class?

What are some strategies for keeping students engaged throughout the class?

What are some strategies for keeping students engaged throughout the class?

What are some ways you can make your lectures more effective for students?

What are some ways you can make your lectures more effective for students?

Why is it important to offer a variety of instructional delivery methods in classes?

Why is it important to offer a variety of instructional delivery methods in classes?