I don't think I learned anything new.  It is frustrating as I was hoping to learn something to help give my younger students intrinsic motivation.  I think what I see, is intrinsic motivation tends to come later in life.

 I heard many years ago to teach in "chunks" and that is what I try to do.  I do not lecture very long, but will always have some other activity to do to keep students actively involved.

The first-class meeting sets the tone for the whole time of the course. Students need to know what you expect of them and a little about you as well.

Communication with students is extremely important.  In order for a student to do well in the course, he/she needs to know the expectations of the course, which is usually communicated through a syllabus.  I will make sure my syllabus contains everything a student would need to know to be successful.

A teacher is an extremely important role model.  Students are watching us and listening to what we are saying whether we think they are or not.  We do need to me model and examples.  As a teacher, I take this role seriously and hope I am putting forth a good model for my students.  Motivating students is a challenge.  If I could figure out how to do this, I would share it with the world.  I try to be passionate about what I teach and get excited about the lessons, plays songs and so forth, but sometimes, students are just… >>>