I like to praise and re-assure students that we'll all get through a tough subject or class. Teaching fundamentals of math to adult students can put students in to fear mode. I praise them openly when they solve a problem, and constantly re-assure them that they will get through it.

The definition of regenertaing: 1. To reform spiritually or morally. 2. To form, construct, or create anew, especially in an improved state. 3. To give new life or energy to; revitalize. I also find that I need a complete break, a hobby or something outside of teaching to clear my thoughts, and just to relax away from school.

I have a question for other Instructors. I have a couple of students that are hard to get along with due to their course lifestyle and working environment, (seasonal construction workers). They tend to rebel against authority figures, and challenge me on material they believe to be right, even when I prove them wrong it's like they don't except the answer. If another student would give them the same answer they would rather believe him/her than any instructor. How do you deal with this type of student?