Brian Wurtzel

Discussion Comment

I have had issues recently getting students to ask questions and the material in this unit has been excellent in providing me the information I need to promote participation among my students. I was wondering, though, how do you gain participation when there are outside distraction resources like computers and cell phones (for texting) in classes?

Brian Wurtzel

Discussion Comment

Mixing the various learning methods

For my classes, I try to bring in a variety of learning methods. Not only does it expose the various methods to the students, but it hits on students' preferences. I also design a lot of my classwork to be involved in each of the methods so that students get a fair mixture of all the styles.

Brian Wurtzel

Discussion Comment

Enthusiasm is needed

I have been a student for many years, both in undergraduate and graduate schools. Some professors didn't show much enthusiasm and it showed in how my fellow students followed the classes. Some would be on the Internet, while others would do other work. Having more enthusiasm about subjects keeps students glued in to lectures and discussions. It's also important to not lecture continuously (over 20 minutes) as it tends to cause students to lose focus and cause minds to wander. Plans should be setup to offer a wide variety of teaching methods such as class projects and discussions to freshen… >>>

Brian Wurtzel

Discussion Comment

Refocusing

I have had some issues with maintaining focus in classes where lessons did not flow the way I wanted them to. Often times, it called for making changes "on the fly." I always have some backup plans set aside when classes don't go the way I want them to. I may have a game, a class discussion, a documentary, or a contest for the students to participate in. This allows me to refocus my thoughts and feed off of whatever comes from these backup plans.

Brian Wurtzel

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor with Students

I agree that maintaining a strong human factor with students is a key to a positive learning environment. I learn all students names on the first day, welcome each of them, and play off of their strengths. As a result, classes seem more positive and cheerful and I have little issues with students not participating in class activities.

Brian Wurtzel

Discussion Comment

Older Students

I have noticed an increase in older students in my classes. I tend to find that most are looking for a career change due to some setback such as layoffs or a needed change in their original career if it's not working out for them or they want more job satisfaction.

Brian Wurtzel

Discussion Comment

Why I became an Instructor and a question

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… >>>