You need to know your student's as an individual and know their needs as that individual. You cannot categorize them.

Motivating with things is useful to a point. Too much can have a negative effect. You only want to use extrinsic until their motivation becomes intrinsic. Becoming a sense of security. 

Continence is key. For the student and the teacher. Confidence breeds security and a willingness to be proactive in class (i.e. autonomy).

The difference between semantic memory and episodic memory stood out to me. Bringing the two together is definitely the best way to help students retain information. If you can combine your own episodic memory with theirs, it could increase their respect and understanding of why you are teaching them.

I have learned that it is crucial to refocus the class. Not just midway through the course, but continually. Adult attention span is said to be 10 to 15 minutes. This doesn't take into account that most of these people have already put in an 8 to 10 hour day of hard physical and mental work. If you don't keep it exciting, they will check out mentally and start worrying about what their family or friends are doing or what they need to do at work on their next shift.

Using different ways to learn and remember students by name. That is something I always respected about my teachers growing up. Also, having prizes for competitive goals is definitely a good thing. Just pay attention to who all has succeeded and who hasn't. In doing so, you find who in your class needs some extra help. Pour into them a little extra and watch them glow when they win the next competition. 

It is important to take time to listen to a student's complaints or needs. But don't get caught up in them. This is sometimes easier said than done. We are all human and we have our own set of problems and/or experiences. We can easily hear a problem and relate it to something going on in our life. While doing this, we think we are being helpful, but really, we are feeding into the negativity. This lesson showed me that it's good to listen and give some positive feedback, but then immediately direct the conversation back towards the lesson. Be… >>>

To know when to encourage

Build confidence 

Understanding each student's uniqueness helps them to succeed and me to better understand how to teach to them.