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Ask a question from your peers to help you in your professional work. Seek different points of view on a topic that interests you. Start a thought-provoking conversation about a hot, current topic. Encourage your peers to join you in the discussion, and feel free to facilitate the discussion. As a community of educators, all members of the Career Ed Lounge are empowered to act as a discussion facilitator to help us all learn from each other.

Students With Learning Disabilities

When teaching students with learning disabilites, students often are more comfortable speaking about their disabilites if they are not in front of other students, know that they have instructors that are willing to help them, and really want to do well in the course. Students with learning disabilities can be successful with the help of instructors that are willing to put forth an extra effort to help the student succeed.

Motivation

Motivation is the key the success. When motivating students the atmosphere is totally positive. Motivation helps students realize their potential and keep them in a positive learning state.

GROUPS

I have found it very useful to utilize rubrics with group assginments when grading. Not only does this give students the information on what is expected in the group assignment, but it also explains in detail what is exptected from each member. Another useful piece of information that I've found helpful is letting each student complete an evaluation on each group member to ensure that each person actively participated in the group exercise.

Floating and Eye Contact

I believe that floating and eye contact are two key essential tools that instructors should utilize in the classroom. I've noticed that floating helps because students seem to stay alert because of the movement while speaking. Utilizing eye contact with students help me to determine if students are understanding what I am saying. Puzzled eyes let me know if I should elaborate the information more to make sure students are understanding the material.

Questioning and Comprehension

In the classroom we've found the use of questioning and accurate gauge of comprehension. This can be identified by a students ability to "re-teach" a lesson to someone else and in idenitfying how well a student can apply the knowledge in real life problems.

Suggestions for group activities for a fast paced math course

I am supposed to teach a full year of College Algebra in only ten weeks as our academic terms have to be kept very short. Other than having students work on problem sets provided by the class worksheets in small groups toward the end of the lecture period, what other group activities can I incorporate? Again, time is a key factor (several chapters/concepts need to be covered and reviewed in the weekly 4-hour lecture), and the class sessions have been disrupted in the past for mandatory career development meetings for students. I would gladly appreciate any insight.

New Developement

I believe that it is important for the instructor to continue to learn and met the standards necessary to teach students. This can be done by taking classes to continually enhance skills and teaching methods.

Importance of Learning Environment

Learning environment is one of the factors critical to students' success in the classroom. When students feel comfortable, they are more likely to share and communicate with their instructor and peers, therefore their learning experience is more productive. On the other hand, when students are anxious, they are more likely to be quite, day dream and skip classes. As the result, their are more likely to fail in the course. Thank you, Svetlana

combining lecture and hands-on learning

I like to lecture and then demonstrate on equipment as it pertains to the lecture. It keeps students engaged.

First class preparation and introduction

I am a new instructor and have only taught for 2 quarters so far (6 months). I learn something new at the beginning of every quarter regarding everything from my preparation to my student's overall impression of the class. I have found that the rules and expectations for the class should be explained thoroughly to the students on the first day as it sets the overall tone for the class. Looking back on my first quarter teaching, I can see that I did not do this as well and as I have become more familiar with my position, I can see how much I have improved in this area. Students are much more confident, comfortable and successful when an instructor has set specific guidelines for the class. I also realize that my ongoing experience has made me more confident and comfortable in the classroom, which ultimately affects my student's behavior and success as well.

organized class

I feel that my classes run very well when I look through the content and organize as I feel would work best on a day to day- there are times they seperate subjects that should be taught together

visual learning

I find that with the subject I teach visual learning is very important- my students learn better by seeing and doing

music`

I agree sometimes music in the class can help- when I was in culinary school we would listen to classical music while doing knife cuts. I found it to be relaxing

Classroom Dynamic

I find that every class I teach is different based on the group of students I have. Some classes do well in certain areas while others need more encoragement or excitment to enjoy that particular topic. I try to find ways to make the class exciting for them so they want to be there and learn.

Communication Skills

Make eye contact with the learners and move around. Don't stay in one spot the entire lecture.

Student Learning Groups

Learning groups are a good way to ensure that all the students are able to be involved. Groups should be 6 to 8 learners.

Diverse Learners

They are many different learners. Every student brings Ability, Previous Experience, and Motivation to the class room.

Learning Disabilities

Ask the students if there has been particular teaching methods that have been helpful to them. Then apply what they told you to your lectures.

Should students get to take completed tests home to study?

Many students request to take home their midterm exams in order to study for their final exam. I have declined so far but have gone over the tests in class as a review. I put a great deal of time and effort into test-writing and may want to use the same or similar questions over in the future. When I was a student I did get to keep all of my exams. What do other instructors do?

Grading Rubrics

I have created a few grading rubrics for student projects, such as papers and power point presentations. Letting students know ahead of time what the grading criteria are helps them to prepare. However, then students expect it every time and I feel it limits my grading ability (because I missed something on the rubric) It is an attempt to be an objective grader instead of subjective grader. However, is it necessary every time? What are your recommendations? The topic was mentioned in this learning seminar and I found it helpful. Thank you.