How to most effectively address a very diverse class? Especially in respect to different age groups.

I feel that getting the students to close their laptops and not take notes would be met with some resistance ( they're use to looking at their laptops during class-even if they are not taking notes!) I don't want to lose rapport with them form the start. Is there a way to do a guided lecture using the laptops from the start?

The learning enviornment in Career Colleges can vary so much from class to class. Some being practical hands on experience based and others traditional classrooms. I find that starting by creating a culture promoting learning, respect and safety helps to set the stage for a positive learning enviornment. Respect: Authority in the classroom, learning process / needs of others, time, and personal contribution to educational process. Learning: Safe zone where no question is unanswered, failures are opportunities to learn, and growth is encouraged. Safety: All students should feel that they are safe to learn, express themselves (within standards) and personal physical safety.

I'm often challenged by whether or not to extend an activity beyond the allotted time to make sure that students are "getting it" or to keep a strict clock so that they will understand the real world pressures of the task. I once taught a recording class where I did the former and everybody achieved and understood the objectives; but I ended the class by saying "You guys did good but you have to work much faster in the real word". I wonder if they would have benefitted more by being pushed to perform and think fast.

I hate multiple choice! I would rather right an essay but the problem that I have with essay is time limitation and it sometimes tests your typing skills versus actual knowledge, should we not do multiple choice?

In japan there is no grades or evaluation till grade 4 do you think it is good idea or it helps to build confidence in students. Do you think this will work for adult learners?

Having an interaction with students is vital part of keeping them engaged? What if student keeps asking questions off the topic what would be your strategy to redirect them to the lecture material?

I consider myself a kinesthetic learner, but sometimes I feel listening to the lectures and rehearsing them to someone is what gives me the best retention of the material, am i still kinesthetic or audio visual?

There is generalization in the lecture regarding average adult attention span. Attention span can be influenced by many outside forces, family, monetary concern family issues. The best way to keep the attention span longer is to focus on the interesting activities. Your thoughts?

Do you often feel that the course content is outdated. What do you think is the best strategy to deal with such situation?

What doest it mean to you to be a professor? Is it to you a dress code showing up on time and be "classic" professor. Or is it your ultimate goal is to teach deliver the knowledge?

When lecturing, I really enjoy incorporating active learning with my students. Providing real life scenarios and asking student's about their experiences relating to the subject matter somehow brings life to the classroom. I see student's more willing to participate in discussions and motivated to speak about their personal experiences. Ask a dental hygiene instructor, what else can I do to better my teaching skills with active learning?

Sometimes, in order to keep the student engaged in the class, the instructor will need additional material, be it brochures, visual or simply stated from another student. The interactions with other materials definitely keeps the students involved and motivated.

The challenge I find in teaching in a career college is the very diverse levels of competencies that the students have. How does one find the happy medium when teaching a highly educated college graduates / professionals at the same time as those that need more than a little additional help. I find myself having to encourage the students that find the material too easy just as much as those who struggle. What are some strategies others have used to bridge this gap?

On the first day of class. I always go over the syllabus and the rules. I feel it is very important to be professional and in charge. While also trying to relate with them.

How you prepare for your courses is how the students will respond to the curriculum

It is important as an instructor not only to develop personal abilities, but to show students how to achieve professionally in the real world

Students learn in all types of ways. The best way to instruct is to vary your styles. Being prepared is most important for the instructor.

Upon meeting the class for the first time, this is the time you set the general tone for the module. You want to state not only what you expect the students to gain from class, but also how you expect class to function. This is the time you break the ice between yourself and the students, as well as the students with one another.

Having a clear blue print with goals and objectives set ahead of time gives not only you a base line for class, but also your students will have a road map leading them to success.