Being the subject matter expert is a plus (however remember there could be a student in your class that has more expertise than you), allowing your students to know you are human and also make mistakes.  The key to making any mistake is not only owning that mistake but also learning from it.  Finding the ways to engage your class which may be different from class to class.

This chapter went into engaging students that for some reason or another does not engage during class and the different ways to go about doing this such as asking opion questions, writing their answers on 3x5 cards or even a 60 second term paper.  Also using  REFOCUS: Recognize, Empower, Focus, Objective, Commit, Unburden, & Surprise (use this to regain momentum that may have been lost approaching the middle of the term.

Coming up with plans to reach out to the students in an effective instructional way at the same time making it fun will keep students focused and interested in what's next to come.

You need to learn your students to understand them and by understanding them you can find out the best way they learn.  Developing a rapport with them is also helpful in understanding the way they learn.

I learned so much and intend to apply several of the concepts in my class. I want to create a CNA Skills mastered Leaderboard & have the top 5 students who have mastered the most skills posted on the wall outside of my classroom. Also for my CNA class I want to implement some contests or races to help them practice and learn the skills. I am going to start a skills race where they are timed and two people will race to finish a skill. I also have an idea of another race for skills- they can race to… >>>

My belief was re-enforced on this topic, it also took me back to my days as a student (not so long ago) and made me think about why I was attending school.  Understanding the why is just as important as any other aspect of the student to me.  What motivates people is very different for everyone.

Viewing the classroom and learning styles from the eyes of the student is a helpful suggestion. Also, Maslow's hierarchy of basic needs to be met for each student. 

Building rapport with students is very important and will keep them interested in learning more and more.

Learn who your students are and what motivates them. Create a class environment that gives them the freedom to speak on their experiences. 

Get feedback from students about what is working and not working in regards to them connecting with and learning the material.