I agree that is why it is so important to use diffrent approches to delivering the content of the course that you are teaching.

I have been teaching for nearly 4 years which would have never happened if it weren't for a college professor during my Public Health courses. She told me that she could envision me teaching one day which I laughed and said I would never teach. She replied that she said the same thing and look where she's at today. One of the reasons I teach (I teach IT courses) is seeing the "light bulb" come on in students minds when they learn something they never knew before. It's really rewarding to see how they develop through the years, however, I was shocked to read in the previous lesson that instructors are supposed to be looked at as mentors or professionals versus peers. Why would we not consider students more as peers, the closer they are to graduating? I have taught a lot of students over the past four years and was able to recommend three of them to my full time place of employment. Is it really that bad to not consider students more as peers the closer they are to graduating? I ask that because when I was in Naval boot camp, the company commander of our group became more of a peer during the last couple of weeks of basic training.

I like the idea of creating a welcoming, productive environment for your students by evaluating the classroom prior to class. I have found that for certain course topics, the desks should be rearranged or thought-provoking ideas should be presented on the white board as students enter the room. I like the element of surprise when students arrive, to excite them about the course content for that session. Any other ideas or things to look for in the class room prior to class?

plan on adding this to my syllabus. hopefully eliminate the "I did not know that" and encourage students to be in focus with the learning experience.

It still amazes me how instructors fail to vary their instructional styles for the benefit of students. I had a professor in grad school who was considered an expert who would drone on for hours about his subject. It was excrutiating.

I don't think it is possible to underestimate how important it is to be prepared in advance. In addition anything you can do to emphasize the expectations and put students at ease is going to be helpful. Sometimes it can feel like overkill. However, you almost can't over communicate.

How the room is arranged is very important. I always make sure that the adult learner is not looking at someones back. I try to arrange the chairs so that the adult learner are looking at each other. I feel that this increases the class conversation and interaction.

It is good as a new instructor to be prepared. Make sure you are organized for the class a head of time. I also think that it is extremely important to maintain a professional appearence. You will receive more crediablity with your personal apperance. Rember that there is never a second chance to give a first impression.

have been using an electronic format with of my culiary school and It works great. You don't have to use any paper and it is available for the students all the time They shouldn't be using the excuse that they don't have the syllabus or what we are cooking

It's so important to learn something personal about each student. It makes them feel comfortable in class, and give you a connection. The students know you care when you take time to learn something about them; therefore, they will be more motivated to learn from you.

What happens when you combine learning styles and diversity? Well, a new word is coined, "diversatile". As an instructor, one has to meets the diverse needs of students from wide range of ages, backgrounds, experiences, ethnicity, etc. as well as their learning style needs. I also believe that once a learning style is determined for students, an instructor should encourage students to enhance their weaker learning preferences, and avoid solely feeding them information in their predominant learning style only. What are your thoughts about it? A. Andaz Ahmad

When I first began teaching as a teaching assistant in graduate school, learning to teach to different learning styles was the most valuable thing I learned and I use it for teaching, when I lead meetings, even when I pitch ideas in my other job. I have found that appealing to each learning style helps all students learn better.

I believe that taking the time to learn about students will help you really understand their learning style. I prefer to integrate many different learning styles into my class periods. I understand that we need to work together to make the class as interesting and as productive environment as possible.

I truly believe the first day is like testing the waters before a swim. It is the perfect time to welcome students who are new and also those who may be return students to your classroom. This is a great time to encourage students to engage in conversation with others and learn about everyone's background and experiences.

It is important to create an open and inviting environment for students. I believe the real trick is doing this without leaving any openings for students to take advantage of the situation. Most students look to an instructor they can trust and also relate to. If you make yourself approachable and also give the impression of being knowledgeable you will be successful with this.

I think that being a good model means taking the time to really understand who you are. It means trying to take a different point of view and try to see how the students see you. It is getting past reacting immediately and actually taking the time to evaluate the situation.

I think that the rapport an instructor has with students is so important for success. I am new to teaching online and have been concerned about establishing rapport with students over the computer. This seems much easier to achieve face-to-face because so much can be communicated in facial expression, etc. I am interested in what instructors have found to help in this area.

Although some view college as a means to an end with learning, I believe it is important to continue learning and developing both personally and professionally throughout life. This maintains an open mind to new ideas and it helps me to grow and develop as an instructor. After all, if I am not willing to learn new ways of thinking and behaving, how can I teach others to do this? Laurie B.

Through my teaching experiences, I have found that the most effective way of reaching the largest # of students is to make sure you understand their learning style.

I wrote before about trying to use the socratic method with paralegal students, and I'm curious what other people have found when using this method in nontraditional classes with adult learners?