Chandra Johnson

Lesson plans are great for helping to keep instructors on track during with delivering the course material during each class as well as planning out activities to help with classroom management.  They are create resources in case an instructor has to be out and a sub is needed to cover a class.  I like to use them as a resource to help new instructors especially those that have never formally taught.  

Time management plans a big part in preparing for class.  Creating lesson plans provide a structured, but flexible guide for assisting instructors to deliver the course material in effective manner to engage their students and achieve the course objectives. 

The over use of rewards should be monitored as students good soon only concentrate on the reward instead of the actual lesson they should be learning.  The key is to find balance with extrinsic motivators to help students increase their intrinsic motivators. 

Security and autonomy are great tools in helping to motivate adult learners.  Constructive feedback should not be taken personal, but as a tool to assist with improving the classroom management and to increase student engagement.  

Student motivation is enhanced when the three components (reinforcement, retention, and transference) of support are in place. These three components play an important part in the motivation equation; therefore, an instructor must know how to utilize them to help keep each student engaged.  Reinforcement is one that I utilize quite often. It was interesting to learn that it takes repeating something 45 times and/or for 30 consecutive days for it stay with you. 

Recharging is necessary for instructors as well as with students. As an instructor, a plan of action is needed to refocus. 

The concept of "Learnativity" is interesting in that it reflects on the combination of instructional situation and the student. Oftentimes, we forget the emotional component of learning.  As educators, we must be open to constantly remind students of their "why" to help them to buy-in and to remain focus to achieve their career goals.  Recharging is necessary for instructors as well as students. As an instructor, a plan of action is needed to help to refocus.  REFOCUS means: Recognize, Empower, Focus,… >>>

Instructors need to have enthusiam about the course they are teaching and this needs to be seen by the students. This energy transfers into the learning environment which helps with student engagement.  Instructor should treat adult learners like adults, not children. Incorporating activities into the classroom environment can increase student engagement. 

Practice, practice, practice!!! We listen four times faster than we speak. An instructor should practice their demostration prior to class. When delivering course material, it is helpful that the instructor incorporate as many learning styles as he/she can to reach their students.  Students learn 3 different ways, by trail and error, observation, or learning by doing.  This should be kept in mind when provding demostrations in class along with their delivery of lecture material. 

You only get one time to make a first impression. On the students first day it is important that the instructor is ready to start before the students arrive for class. One thing an instructor can do is place there name on the board along with the class information so that the student knows where they are at to help with reducing anxiety from their first day of class. Instructors should start on day one trying to learn the names of each of their students.  A great way to do this is by conducting introductions starting with themselves. From there,… >>>

Preparation is key.  The more a instructor is prepared for their class, the better the learning environment will be for the student.  When an instructor is organized and prepared for class, it can reduce a lot of anxiety especially as a new instructor. This helps with providing students with an learning environment that they feel safe and confident in thier instructor along with the material they have learned.