Participation at what level?

The mood for the class is set on the first day. I have found that if the students know what to expect, as the should, through a good presentation of the objectives of the course. The students participate more and over all accept what they are learning better if they know why they are learning it and what the methodology is going to be.

I am a believer in the four styles of learning, have the students read about the subject, give a lecture on the subject, show them how to do the subject, and then let them do the subject.

I talk to students about the value of creating a Mnemonic hook. Any gimic to remember a term or sequence can be a great tool. I still remember Ohm's Law and the resistor color code from these tricks.

I complete most if not all the events listed during the first day, but I have been doing so in a slightly different order, is that acceptable? Also sometimes I have students that are so gravely concerned with a course item that I will skip foward to what that may be for a breif discussion to ease their concerns so they are not distracted by them. Is that advised?

An introduction tool that I have found works well for design / photo students is to create a montage from magazine images. This is to show past experience, present goals, and future ambitions. Then each student presents his or her work. This way all get to know each other - and it helps shy designers / photographers to talk in front of a group.

I have always been biased against Computer based learning inasmuch us I do not see my teacher in person and I communicate through an "impersonal" computer. After this class , I realized that I was wrong since I actually enjoyed and learned from this experience.As pointed out , it enhances retention , learner can pace self through the instruction repeating or skimming as needed.Thank you.

During the first day of class, the instructor must carefully discuss the policies which students must follow. I firmly believe on the importance of this. Guidelines on student actions and behaviors are established . One of this is showing respect by paying attention and actively listening to the teacher or any student. The teacher must maintain order and be in control of the class as part of his role as a manager and leader (some undesirable situations - teachers allowing students to talk at the same time , sleeping inside the classroom ,unprofessional conduct ,inappropriate behavior ,disrespect , foul language etc.). When teachers are not consistent with the implementation of rules and policies inside the classroom , chaos and disorder can set in which is no longer conducive for learning.

We will either select or be assigned a textbook for our course. Either way we must be familiar with the contents and delivery of the text in order for it to be an effective teaching tool.Unfortunately,for someone like me who teaches Anatomy and Physiology for Pre-nursing students , situations arise when books assigned to me are too complicated and difficult for my students to understand. When I start teaching the class I really have no option but to use the assigned textbook .The ideal situation therefore would be for the instructor to be the one to select the appropriate textbook with clear and simple explanations. I hope to get reactions and others to share their experiences.

When working back to back with another instructor, Preperation Is always a key factor in success as well as consitancy.

As Instructors we play various roles such as a model ,a manager ,and a motivator.We are all aware of the importance of these 3 roles.Do these roles have equal importance ? Or is one more important than the other.For example , you could be very good as a manager , or as a model but if we fail to motivate our students then it would be difficult for learning to take place. I have been teaching Human Anatomy & Physiology for the past 6 years and I try my very best to motivate my students to study especially the ones who are failing. I encourage them on a daily basis but still some of them falter.There is mention of the instructors creating opportunities for students to motivate themselves.I wish to know concrete ways to do this and I hope others can share their experiences.Thank you.

the times when your mom stayed home and cooked are done. we as instructors need to reconize this. our method on instructing should also change.. be real, who wants to sit for 6 hours when some one in teaching?? i know i didn't when i was in school. we need to reconize that what is ok in certain fields of work, ( IE.. a rough neck working on an oil drilling platform) the wording people use may not and probaly isn't prim and proper. now compared to a person who works a white collar job and who is more concerned about what time the tee time is for there golf game, isn't thinking "am i going too die??" now i know wording is every thing, and curse words are curse words( too a point) , i ask you this ; if you got your fingers cut off becouse of some thing that happened at work(you were just doing your job,no horse play)and you used a few curse words, would that be ok? i preach SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY.. you should only have to repair it once.(sometime you only have one chance to do it). PS. this is only my view and shouldn't refleck on any company too which i am employed.

Very informative.

If you demonstrate to your class that you are happy to be there and love what you are doing they will become enthusiastic also, it's infectious.

If you are prepared for the days lecture and demo the students pick up on that and it shows professionalism.

using what has worked before with your own spin on it works great

i have started using a first day check list it helps me remember to talk about this & that & a student can not say i never mentioned it before

again using older study guides sometimes gives me new ideas

trying to help & teach people who are not even mechaniclly inclined is a burdon on the other students

One of my biggest problem as an instructor is being able to adapt to everyones learning style. It is realy hard for me to leave the person I am out side the class room and not get triggered when some does not understand me or ask a question more than once after I have given an explanation to the hole class. I would really like to find more patience in this area.