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The Right Question

there are so many questions asked and differnt ones to ask so its impotant to ask the right questions

Challenges of Cohort groups

I teach in a setting where all of our classes are basically cohort groups. One of the most difficult challenges I have had is that I tend to be the instructor that everyone respects, but I can be a little "hard-lined" when it comes to certain rules and guidelines. And I always seem to get groups right after they have had a class with the "buddy- instructor". That instructor (we all know one) who is far more concerned with being everyone's friend, so that he/she doesn't upset anyone... This is a tremendous challenge at times, because the minute they walk in the class they have a preconceived notion of "oh great, now we gotta deal with Him". Fortunately by the end of the third or fourth week, they realize that they have learned a considerable amount, and that it's actually not a bad thing to have a more structured environment. So, I guess my point here is, if you find yourself in this situation, focus on the fact that you ARE a good instructor. And that you have knowledge that they want. Things will turn around for you if you always focus on the learning!!!

Authority

How have you established your authority in the class while maintaining a sense of fun and friendliness?

Forms of Address

When I was in college, my professors always addressed me as "Mr. Huston." The practice of addressing a student with a title is something that I begin the first day of class & I believe that it's very important not to address a student by first name in class. Using a title such as Mr, Mrs, Ms, or Miss helps from the beginning to establish appropriate boundaries between teacher & student. It's important because I think that students need to be reminded that: (1) I'm here as your instructor & that's my role in this class: I'm not here to be your buddy; (2) you're an adult now, not a child, so I'm addressing you as such & I expect you to behave accordingly; (3) this is a career college & I'm here to model professional behavior, & the professional addresses clients, customers, superiors &, sometimes, even colleagues by title & surname unless & until they invite you to operate on a first-name basis; (4) these are the ground rules for this classroom & you must conform here much as you will be expected to conform to corporate cultures wherever you go in your career. More than anything else that I do, this incurs rebellion from my students. I have some who still insist on calling me by first name & fight tooth & nail to get me to do the same, But I won't cross that boundary in front of another student. I may address some students by first name privately when I'm certain that they can distinguish between the roles of teacher & friend.

Affecting the environment

A students environment is paramount to their success. Not only in the classroom, but also in their home or other study areas. Unfortunately, we as faculty can only have a direct affect on the classroom. However, by providing, and stressing a proper environment in the classroom, and demonstrating to the students the difference it can make, we can hopefully motivate them to provide themselves with an appropriate learning environment outside of the classroom.

Why question vs. what question

In teaching culinary art, I find I have to ballance the why questions and the what questions in equal measure. This ties into the different types of learners discussed in the last unit, but also into the nature of questioning. The why questions relate more to technique. Why do we add or pair certain ingredients. The what questions relate to specific knowledge, names of procedures or dishes. Using both types of open-ended questions in class, and being able to respond to them, is a large part of preparing my students for success in the field.

The instructor's career is like an Architech

We try to build lifes and opportunities...build up their futures, in this situation we need to make an excellent Program to fit inside: time, material, funny time, curious time, etc...realy, this job is so interesting.

The development of class show your professionalism

it doesn't matter if you start or the end of class, in every one need to show them your knowledge, skills, friendship,the serious personality, how important is this career, etc...and only you have to give them at 15 minutes every day...this time is enough to creat the right enviroment or not in your whole course...

The Planning is an Art

The moment that you start the Program you need to know where is going every piece of knowledge, materials, support device, etc...and what is the thinking of your students...their dreams about your Program....get a better future...every day is a challange, a good opportunity to practice your experience in your field and leave in every student mind the masterpiece of your professionalism.

The Instructor's like a Father

Everybody knows that theaching is hard because everything that we make and everything that we say, everything is measurement carefully for the students and their family also. Re-build up the mind and sometimes their lives is a great responsability....and this is the main reason that the Instructor career is not a game.

Creative effective assesments

In my test, I do take questions from the question bank. Questions are selected on the basis of what, I have taught in the class. I like to include multiple choice questions, True and false questions and short essay type questions, so that all the students do well in my exam.

Student Learning Techniques

I am General Education teacher. I always tell students about the applied aspects of the subject. This way, they relate the subject and learn better. When they do presentation, they keep in mind, their major subject. These presentations can be included in their portfolio. This will help them, integrate the knowledge.

Questioning techniques

Some students donot answer questions. I ask questions, to them. If they are not able, to answer, I rephrase the same questions. I give them clues, so that they are able to answer it. I have to wait little longer. But in the end, I finally get the answer.

Cell Phones

I really thought I made it clear to my students that if they really needed to use their cell phones they need to exit the classroom. They are only to use them if it is an emergency. Students try to hide their phones while they are texting. We could be in the middle of a classroom discussion and they are called upon and of course they don't have any clue what topic we are on. What can I do to show I really don't like phones on in my class?

delivering course content

I personaly think that an instrutor should vary his or her delivering course content style by using various techiques while keeping the goals & objectives for fear of getting board.

meeting the class for the first

In my opinion, it is critical that the instructor get that first impression right the first day of class. To do so, I feel inquiring about students' background the first day is a great way to "break the ice" and get in "tune" with some of the dynamics.

planning & preparation

I truly believe that planing & prepation are at the "heart" of teaching. These two elements set the tone for students & help in making the course a success.

Testing Ideas

Involvement is key and when a student ask for assistance, I make it a class review and learning activity

Question practices

I find to start out with simpler questions will create more student participation

Ethical evaluations

The ethical/moral ideology can be one of the most difficult to instill into the students mindset, if they don’t come in with them. Many career school students lack not only ethics but the soft skills as well. I always ask my students to be ladies and gentlemen alike as well as tell them to treat each other with dignity and respect. Having them so self evaluations has also helped as well as career paths and visualization exercises.