Pamela Wright

Making mistakes in the classroom setting is something that ever educator has done more than once. However it is important that you learn from them and reflect on them honestly, to become better educator. It is important to realize that mistakes are a natural part of learning. Never making mistakes generally means one is not trying hard enough or taking necessary risks to become the teacher that they deserve to be.

It is essential to the success of the student that the classroom environment is appropriately managed. Managing the classroom environment during an exam is also important. It is important that when “wandering eyes,” are noticed that students are reminded that all work must be individual and to keep their eyes on their own paper. It is also important if talking, whispering, or murmuring, in any language, is noticed during an exam to remind the class in general that no talking is permitted.

A key to effective classroom management is the development of a quality relationship between the students and the educator in the classroom. An important element of developing relationships is knowing and understanding the learner. As an educator it is important to initiate steps to learn and understand the unique qualities the student population. Teachers who adopt a relationship-building approach to classroom management by focusing on developing the whole person are more likely to help students develop positive, socially-appropriate behaviors.

Providing a syllabus is important so that students know what to expect and improved student success and may reduce faculty time in clarifying class policies. It is important to realize and address faculty and student perceptions regarding important syllabi content as most students wanted syllabi that provide how to accomplish each assignment and course requirement most efficiently. Whereas, faculty prefer providing information regarding student behavior, such as student conduct, participation, and attendance rules.

As educator it is essential to keep in mind individual learners’ needs, which at times can be a challenge. But the incorporation of various techniques and strategies can use assist educator to support students of all abilities—including those with learning disabilities. There are several innovative approaches to teaching and learning that can dramatically change students learning experiences and success of students with learning disabilities. Educators must do their part and learn and incorporate innovative approaches for student success.

The diversity of nursing students is increasing, mirroring the changing faces of the population of the United States. Educating culturally diverse students has become a challenge for nursing schools preparing nurses. Faculty in higher education has been called upon to explore teaching strategies that will not only enhance the student’s learning, but prepare him/her for the working environment. Various teaching strategies must be empolyed in the educational setting to enhance the students’ communication skills.

Nursing education is moving away from the days of focusing on traditional methods of instruction such as lecturing and moving toward more application based education. As a nurse educator it is important to incorporate instructional methods that actively engage learners and help students understand concepts for application in practice situations. Team learning engages small groups in learning tasks that require problem solving and decision making. Team learning predominantly promotes learner-to-learner engagement with relevance to clinical practice. Most students appreciate increased individual accountability for learning and value in learning through discussion.

Effective communication skill is essential. Responsible nursing is not simply the ability to successfully carry out a series of routine procedures. Effective communication skills taught and displayed in the classroom setting is an essential piece of nursing. As a nurse and nursing educator successful communication through a patient-centered approach serves to reassure relatives that their loved ones are receiving the necessary treatment. Within the nursing field effective communication skills are considered indicative of best practice.

Motivation is a vital factor in the educators's management of learning and behaviour in the classroom. The motivating role of educators incorporates efforts to generate conditions in the classroom setting that will invigorate, direct, and sustain students' performance. This promotes morale, enthusiasm and positive attitudes towards learning.

Rapport seems to facilitate both student motivation for learning and their enjoyment of the course, and enhances student receptivity to what is being taught. To create effective rapport with our students educators should learn to call your students by name, learn students interest, hobbies, personal and professional goal and use personal relevant examples in classroom setting.