I try to create a sense of community among the students in my classes from the first day. In a community there is a sense of interdependence and working for a common cause while supporting each other as individuals. I think all learners need to feel a sense of input in the learning environment, and I tell mine if there are going to act like sponges during the semester, some point and time prepare to be squeezed...
Well planned lessons are essential to any class, but it takes more than planning.
