Thanks! That's a great idea since the notes are already taken for them they can concentrate on the first part of the lecture.

I feel that getting the students to close their laptops and not take notes would be met with some resistance ( they're use to looking at their laptops during class-even if they are not taking notes!) I don't want to lose rapport with them form the start. Is there a way to do a guided lecture using the laptops from the start?

I'm often challenged by whether or not to extend an activity beyond the allotted time to make sure that students are "getting it" or to keep a strict clock so that they will understand the real world pressures of the task. I once taught a recording class where I did the former and everybody achieved and understood the objectives; but I ended the class by saying "You guys did good but you have to work much faster in the real word". I wonder if they would have benefitted more by being pushed to perform and think fast.

Good point. I guess I have to show them that even though it may not be the most popular subject, many concepts learned from it can be applied in their professional careers and has helped many successful people. Thanks!

Thanks Matt, those are great approaches. I like the the early submit early reward approach.

Wow you have it worse than I do! I tell my students upfront that we have alot to cover and they need to stay focus.My challenge is to try to make all this info seem fun. I guess I have to better project how much I like the topics and how relevant they are to the students' success.

Yes I agree. I want my adult students to feel like they have some control- maybe choose the order of the projects but they have to learn to work within deadlines.

A role play is a great idea. I'll try to think of something that's interesting to them which I can draw comparison to the core subject. Thanks!

I find myself challenged by the fact that I teach a course that the students have to take but most of them don't really like. Looking for ideas to transfer my enthusiasm for the subject onto them.

i like the idea of letting the students have some choice in assignment details but is it really helpful to let them choose due dates? I think that that is too much autonomy.Should I make it that the later the date the more complicated the task? I don't want students taking forever to do easy assignments as that might drag the class down.