Gaining respect is not difficult if the teacher: Comes to class prepared Is knowlegable of the subject Speaks to each student while lecturing Dresses appropriately, and controls the class with a minimal amout of discipline, humor, and understanding. The teacher is the role model.

Stating in no uncertain terms that cheating in any form will not be tolerated should be made very clear in the syllabus. It should be the policy of the administration to back up the teacher in any confrontation resulting from a cheating accusation. This is especially important in professional schools where the lives of patients depend on the ability of the graduates of the program.

I find that the fellow students will often put a a stop to persistant talkers. On the other hand, I find it effective to lecture in that part of the class. I alway lecture by walking about the class.

Creating student confidence starts with a well designed syllabus. Knowing the course content and what is expected takes much of the suspense out of the requirements. Students (as do we all) need to recognize objectives and rules of conduct.

Any time the instructor can make a "dry" course subject matter fun, that's a good day. Of course, the fun activity must be age / subject related. Condescension is detrimental to a good learning environment.

Some activities can be intimidating to introverted students. If the activity requires a shy student to an open response, I believe this may be detrimental to him/her. I'd prefer to offer written activities such as case history presentations.

I may be old school but some of these kinetic activities are high school techniques. I teach in a health science atmosphere that insists on correct terminology in context. We may repeat the terms many times in different circumstances but the students must and do learn them.

I see my students for as many as 6 medical science courses. This gives me many opportunities to reinforce the usage of the terms.

I can't imagine a more effective self evaluation technique than summative tests given to the students. I think it measures teaching technique even more than student progress.

One of the best ways to prepare for a lecture is to invite questions. This insures that the teacher is confident in the subject matter being presented