I enjoy the whole brain methods. Visual and spacial learning hits more areas of the brain and are more likely to keep the learner engaged. (And the instructor awake, too!)

I can see how crossword puzzles would be beneficial to those who have little knowledge of medical terminology. It gives the students a chance to play around with the words privately before taking the 'risk' of public use.

I really like the idea of using the Nerf ball to learn. I teach in the evenings so anything that I can do to get adult learners (safely) engaged and participating is a definite plus!

We have a policy at my school that's probably typical of other institutions - no cell phones allowed. Instead of calling the student out I usually just walk around their area. That alone usually stops the behavior.

I think that we have to somewhat pick our battles when thinking along the lines of adult education. At my location the students are required to wear school specific scrubs. When the students go on externship they may also be required to dress according to their policies/procedures. I usually allow those students to take an extra 5 minutes (again..depending on the circumstances) to be dressed appropriately for my setting. A little understanding allows the student to meet the needs of the externship as well as my institutional needs.