timing is everything
We only have, on an average, three weeks with our students since we have a fast pace program, however I feel that if we are observant we can see the early signs of lost feelings in our students, this is the time to open the monolog and show there are options for assistance besides dropping out.
Due to the short term of our classes, I feel it is important to watch the students as they walk in the first time and see how they react to the classroom. Once they do that, I see how they possition themselves, for lecture. I can then change my introduction to intice the (not so sure) students into being involved. If it works, then my entire class sees that I care and have passion for what I'm teaching.
When teaching under time constraints you must pay close attention from the first moment you meet and greet your new class. You can pick up on problems that exists if you listen to what students are saying to each other and some times paying attention to that student that is sitting by him or herself can clue the instructor in on a situtation or a problem. After observeration then opening dialog can save a student from dropping the class or dropng out
