How much does the faculty observation an instructor receives from the chair contribute to that instructor's development? What do you consider to be the main metrics in a faculty observation for it to be an evaluation document as well as a tool to develop the observed instructor?

When teaching a computer related course, for example MS Office, especially when I reach the intermediate level of Word, Excel or Powerpoint, I found that 15-20 min of lecture, including an instructor demo of the excercise (like working with textboxes, customizing charts, using powerpoint animation) followed by a period of individual student lab might not be most effective. The technicalities (what button to click...) might be too many for the students to follow in the individual part. Many times I have used "Follow Me": I set the stage explaining with a schetch the desired outcome and the basic procedure, then I demo with the projector 1-2 steps at a time with 30-40 sec periods for my students to do like me, and so on to the end of the exercise. There are immediate advantages: all students get the exercise done. There are disadvantages: some students have to wait while I halp the 'slower' ones. Does, in this case, the lecture loose its value?

Being a new instructor, I have come to realize that (during my first few days of teaching) my initial approach to cover disciplinary measures and be clear with these measures were delivered ineffectively. There was lack of force in how I 'layed the rules' for discipline in terms of keeping silence during class hours. Approaching almost the end of the term, I have observed that 30% of my students would talk frequently during class lectures despite my attempts to get their attention, telling them in the politest manner and terms (language) that they could possibly understand to be 'students that need to pay attention and allow the rest in the class to focus and not be disrupted'. Personally, I believe that students are not perfect and get side tracked like anyone else, so I try not to embarass them with maybe a loud piercing voice and tone that would be just ready to reprimand them or pounce on them when I see them talking. Should I be firmer the next term and show myself less forgiving in this area? I want them to learn to respect the instructor and their fellow students without the implementation of fear of outright abrupt discipline. But I have qualms if that would be the right way to implement discipline. The rest of the students comprising 60-70% are focused, no issues with them. Would it be too late to implement stricter measures in the area of discipline right now? I would appreciate comments and suggestions. Thank you.

Any suggestions on how to handle the ones that have a hard time testing?

How do you help your studens become better professionals?

This information has made me understand more of what is expected from me, by not only my students but from myself

In the field of radiation oncology, since radiation beams are invisible by ordinary methods and potentially harmful.I try to implement the use of critical thinking, problem-solving, computation and written/oral communication skills in my class. Visual aids in teaching are recognized as important adjuncts to proper training in my humble opinion. As Ghandi stated: Be the CHANGE you want to see in the world.

Moving around the classroom keeps students engaged

does discussing your expectations on the first day really help?

is it ok to bring in material from other sources than what is provided by the school?

Most of the preparation methods discussed are well aligned with online Instruction. Each method minimizes the time spend in preparing for a course, regardless if online or onground. Instructors may sometimes compromise the time based on 'being at home'; thinking they are prepared because they know their environment. This is far from the truth because there are more distractions at home, versus student distractions (welcomed), in an onground environment. One, you can prepare for (onground), versus the unexpected (at home online). Again, applying these preparation methods in either learning environment is key to instructional success! Vera Davis

How is this done? How can an eLearning Instructor apply mixed methodologies for Instruction, in an online course? Solution: build course content in module content areas, instead of clumping into a full page. Also, instead of posting an entire lecture in one are of the course; try breaking the lecture into mini-lectures - structured in Discussion Forums. This will allow students to digest in chunks; while allowing Socratic feedback, as a way to demonstrate their learning on the topic at hand. Any thoughts? Vera Davis

Any thoughts? Initially, most of us are faced with the challenge of understading the structure of an online course - then comes demonstrating functional competence via aptness in navigation. Many instructors may be prepared in terms of the context they will present in the course - as well as the content for each week. However, how many are eally prepared for what it takes to be an Elearning instructor in the 21st Century? Multimedia, meshups, streams, content areas, links; all while providing instruction? How many are ready to teach in a non-traditional learning environment? Should traditionally methological learning techniques be used? Really?

I believe that critical and analytical thinking is very effective in the learning enviroment, individuals can apply analytical thinking skills when tasks or projects are presented to them and they are to decide what approach they should take to complete the challenge. It is a way of thinking that I feel any instructor to should have their students apply.

Effective assessments are critical between students and instructors because without them how can

As teachers we must assess our students capabilities on many levels. I am a fairly new instructor at my school, however I feel like I have been teaching for years. Not in the professional sense as an instructor, but as the Chef of my restaurants over the past 12 years. We must interact with our students/employees to get a better sense of what level they are performing at, and to give positive feedback so they in turn perform accordingly.

To keep our students involved, using questioning as a teaching technique has always been a great tool. Not only does it help educate, it aids in keeping the class on their toes. I believe as long as you provide positive reinforcement, even to incorrect answers, it aids in showing compassion and less stress on the class, improving on the class attitude and class participation.

As teachers, I think we must keep our subjects interested. I teach at a culinary school, however the students have to learn more than just how to cook. They have chosen this path to become leaders in the kitchen, but sometimes forget they have to learn about other aspects of the business. For example, to make money in the restaurant you need to know basic algebra. I just try to put things in a different perspective, not x's or y's, more like "apples and oranges."

i am a new instructor. how do i earn the respect of my students.

At the end of each day perform a 10 minute debrief with the students. Ask how the day went, do they have any questions about the curriculum or objectives. Allow them the comfort zone to respond.