Mary Forbes

I have worked with several students with disabilities. Some students have IEP planns and they are allowed more time on major assignments as well as tests. I have also worked with students with dyselxia. Often these students would disclose this and ask that I provide them feedback when they make mistakes so they could be more consciously aware of them. I also had a student who could not read very well and had to assist her with her assignments. As teachers we have to be willing to help our students no matter what their deficiency.

I find one of the biggest challenges in the classroom is language. Many students are in the class with very basic English skills. Therefore when they take concept classes like Psychology they can really struggle because they do not understand what certain words me. As an instructor you have to break the concepts and examples down into basic form in order to help students understand the material. This can be frustrating to some students who understand the concepts. You have to find balance in doing this so all students are challenged.

I know sometimes as an instructor I can get really uncomfortable with silence. After a few minutes I want to provide the students with the answer, however, I have to remind myself that I need to give students time to think about the answers. If I am always providing the answers, how will I know if they really know the material. Does anyone else have trouble with this?

Sometimes I think teaching is like being an actor or actress. You need to know what role you need to play and sometimes you have to get into character. Does anyone else feel this way? By doing this, we grab students attention. I have also found keeping students on their toes so they don't know what to expect helps as well.

I have found playing a quick game on the first day of class, helps students feel more comfortable. I have also learned while it is important to lay the foundation for the course the first day, we should try not to overwhelm them because they may get discoruaged.

Sometimes when I am doing my lesson plans, I get overwhelmed with the amount of information and how to pick out what is the most important information students need to know. Recently I try to ask myself, could the student use this information in their person and/or personal life. If so, I include it. I have found this helps some. Any other ideas?

I found the five C's of an effective instructor to be interesting they were: Credible Candid Compassionate Committed Clear Has anyone ever felt like felt like they were not as comitted to teaching as they once were due to burn out? If so, how did you overcome it?