At the end of a long week I feel it is good to end it with fun, not tests. This keeps the students interested on coming in on a friday. They never know whats in store for them.

Like many schools, we struggle at time with motivating students in general, as it pertains to their educational goals, and attendance. At had been my experience that a strict attendance policy is a must! If students are not in class, they cannot be educated. Students are motivated to attend classes as it is directly tied to attendance.

We strive daily to focus on student learning first! This is achieved in several steps. As an administrator our educational institution pays the instructors extra hours above and beyond their class’s instruction to create the environment that promotes one-on-one with student and teacher outside the regular leaning environment. If a school administrator expects a teacher to stay over for “no-charge,” that extra one-on-one tutoring time or counseling time, in most cases will not happen.

We have developed an entire program just dealing with student retention utilizing Department Heads and the Campus Director as the key people to deal one-on-one with retention issues. This is a daily process, and is on-going.

What is the best way to keep my students focus on the subject?

Im a New instructor and will like some advice to motivate my student in class.

With the ranges of age in our classes, I find it a bit chalenging to reach all students needs right away. I would like imput on how to address this right away with out lossing their interest. With the older students it takes them longer to grasp things then with my younger students. Should I pair them up right away?

We just hosted our annual luncheon recognizing our top instructors, and I asked several of our top faculty members why they think their students view them as the best. Several of their replies are relevant on this topic. They shared points that included being: Relevant, contemporary, and enjoyable Firm, fair. consistent, and personable. Enthusiastic, compassionate, fair, and caring. Supportive, diligent, and passionate. Finally, they all stressed that they help students believe in themselves.

Would love some feedback on how to turn around Gen Y students who are reactive in class. It's very difficult for my program of Massage Therapy because learning "soft skills" is as important as learning how to do a good massage if not more so.I have a few that have very low social skills and don't want to work with anyone different than there peers and that present obvious problems for my field especially when enrollment profiles are from 18 years old -over 50

Retention is always been a struggle for any school I have worked out. However, last year we implemented a call system that allowed the instructor(s) time to phone each student that missed class. That way the student feels vested with the instructor- versus-a registrar they may not know as well.

I teach computer classes, and some of the non-IT students are tremendous fear. In the applications class, I found that if I grade one assignment each day, not only can I give fast feedback, I can build student confidence. Near the end of the class period each day, I grade one assignment for all students by having them pull it up on their screen, and I go around the room, grading it. I tell each student whether they did a good job, or whether something is a little out of place, etc. I don't tell them their grade on the assignment. I immediately enter their grades into my gradebook and post them to a secure website where they can sign in and look at their scores. This seems to help a lot b/c they know what their grades are at all times, and they know whether they are doing their work correctly.

I have 5 or 6 four hour classes per week. All with different students. My students represent an interesting cross section of the world. I firmly believe that each of them is entitled to have me know their name and for me to be able to pronounce their name correctly. First as to names: I have not been able to get individual pictures and names prior to the 1st class. I have taken entire class photos but it may be a few week before I am aware of exactly who may be in my classes. I do ask each student how to pronounce their name. I write the pronunciation of their name phonetically on my roster. If I ever goof they let me know with good humored laughter and I always apologize and try to do better. Often an individual student may have only one or two classes with me. I rarely forget a personality but names are getting difficult. My students have been very tolerant and supportive. They all are aware that English is my second language and that I have no first language. Additionally that I speak several languages but for some reason no one understands me. Humor aside I want to do better. I am nearly seventy but won't age as an excuse. I have read the various forums regarding student names and have obtained some good information. This is so important to me that I am asking for any and all additional information anyone one is willing to share. Thank you.

what can I do to capture the full time working at night student?

sometimes to get the class focussed back to the classroom, I ask them how would they like for me to test on the material and ask them to write down questions they would have me use for the test

being a teacher takes daily monitoring of myself and asking myself why did i chose this field of teaching to begin with.

reinforce what the students learn by leading through example, talk about life experiences, let them add to that if the student has expeienced same things.

giving praise constantly with a big smile goes a long way

what are ideas to improve this? I give bonus points every class to those that are on time and ready to begin class.

it's hard to relate sometimes with my students. how can i get pass this easier?

have your students do a fun game like ask them to show you how by using another student to explain what they got out of the lectuer