This module was of great value to me, I am new to teaching but have over 25 years experience in the field.With practice these tactics will enable me to use what I have learned in the most effective manner.

Sometimes I find it very hardto convince a student to stay in school when there is no employment in the area to support him or their family.

how many of us admit that we have made mistakes and use this human side to make a point and that if we learn from our mistakes that the knowledge gained will far out way the embarassment of it in the first place

Motivating students as well as myself can most challenging from time to time. However what I have learned to do is reflect on the positive of class growth kwonlegde wise & my growth as an instructor, and refocus from there to achieve the goals .

Understanding and recognizing characteristics of students is essential for sucessful learning in my opinion.

Announce the topic in an informal manor, then illustrate the need for the knowledge, or the "why". Then begin to clearly explain the topic and answer the questions that students begin to have. "Buy in" and the desire to learn dramatically increase if the student knows where the topic is going and how it applies or will apply to them.

I like to tell real life stories about things that have happend that pertain to class to motovate students.

Students have a hard time remembering every thing they have been taught, however i have found that by seating down with them and going over the information with them it comes back to them.

Students are frustrated in many ways outside pressures, their inabilities, physical abilities, their knowledge limits, time constraints.

I feel the most important point of motivating an adult learner is to show them how they benefit by learning the subject material and how it is useful and practicial for their job and/or career. If you don't get that "buy in" it's hard to keep their interest. They feel like it's a waste of time.

I feel one of the most important thing you can do to build rapport with the students is to show them that you do not know it all and make mistakes. Being a technical Instructor I some times but out wrong information. When I do, I'll get the whole class together for a "Pow Wow". This gives me the opportinity to correct my mistake and shows them my human side as well. One other note from past experince. If you are sitting in another Instructor's class and he/she makes a mistake get with them on a break and talk about it. That way after break they can make the correction with the class themselves. Never try to correct he/she in front of the class. Doing so causes them to lose creditability.

I've found as an Instructor that learning the students names is very important for retention. It makes involving the students in lectures much more effect and well as other benefits. The trick is finding a way that works for you. Some ways include: Making a seating chart with the students names at each postion, when taking roll look at each student as you say their names, make a game with the students and tell them to not tell you their name until you tried from memory. There are many other ways to do this but you need to find a way that works for you.

Hi Gary, I belive I may have a unique situation. I instruct a class that only lasts for 15 days maximum. I find it difficult to not only understand there fears but even remember all the names. I am hopeing some one can offer some advice I can use.

I have been in my profession for 21 years. I have had my share of all kinds of people to deal with. I feel that everyone needs support in what they want to acheive. With being a instructor, there is alot of different elements to deal with. This first module helped me to understand how to get to know your students and their needs, and the challenges that are going to go with it.

With treating every student fairly, I also feels there is a reward for that. I enjoyed the instructional process for personal attention to all students. Being fair and caring to each student can help with you own values in life. Not everyone is the same, but we all have a heart.

Most students crave 1 on 1 attention from an instructor. It can be difficult depending on the size of the class, but on occasion, you can convince a student you didn't know had problems and was thinking of dropping out to not drop out. Just talking about it with their instructor is enough to give them renewed hope and confidence that they made the right decision. It also makes them feel like they matter as opposed to being a faceless number. That all being said, is there a better way to remember names than some of the ways listed in the previous chapter. I sometimes struggle with this as out classes are only 3 weeks long. I sometimes find that I don't get their names memorized until the end of the second week.

I teach an engine building course and I regularly have students that there goal is to blow it up. I ask them, did Lingenfelter, Roush, our Saleen make their names by blowing thinks up? Earn some bragging rights by being the best group out there, make the most power, and see if you can get done and help another team. That's taking pride in your workmanship.

with so many differant ages and backgrounds an instructor must continue to use differant methods of delivery

When i allow the students to teach me, they have more confidence, are more positive in attitude, and i learn something which makes me better as an instructor.

Sometimes just pointing out the reasons they made the decision to come to UTI and receive an education in their career choice brings out their best efforts. Keep it all positive.