Early in my college career I was going to become a second-grade teacher. However, after being a preschool teacher, I realized that becoming an elementary school teacher may not be the best for me. After completing the first learning module, everything I had studied from my past teaching courses came rushing back to me. Now I will be a clinical instructor for nursing students. Although this may be in a different learning capacity, similar teaching principles definitely apply. What challenges do first time instructors generally face?

In a classroom we have 4 styles of learning and 3 ways students learn. We as instructors must reach as many students as possible therefore, we must try to reach at least 2 learning styles each class period provided the stubject content allows this diversification. I use a demonstration of a problem in Accounting on the white board first, lecture next, and then I use Excel and a projector to show the worked probelm on the screen. Then I allow the students to pick a problem for me to work and we work the problem together. This seems to work. Then they have a similar problem for homework.In Document Processing I, II, and III I key along with the students which seems to help the students build confidence.In Spreadsheets I always work the Tutorial with the students and then they work the Review and case problems at their own pace.

When I meet the class for the first time I am nervous as well as they; therefore, I introduce myself and tell about by work experiences then we play a game where the classmates try to find people who like these certain items. The one who finds the most in 15 minutes wins two movie tickets. This gets the class to move around and get to know one another. Then they introduce themselves and tell about their life experiences if they choose. After this we take a break then I pass out the class syllabus and go over the rules very carefully. I especially emphasize the importance of attendance and how attendance play a big role in the grades they can obtain in the class. I call the role and try to learn their names quickly. Before class is over I try to teach them one new piece of information to wet their whistle to want to come back and learn more.

I find that it is best to vary instructional methods within a class, as well as the delivery format, in order to keep the lesson fresh and interesting. This is especially true in longer classes or when teaching seminars (such as some 6-hour seminars I've delivered). Planning, of course, is very necessary. The teacher needs to have a clear idea of when and how to change the dynamics of the classroom so as to provide a smooth and interesting lesson.

There are so many methods of starting the first class. The aims are many: to relax the students, to provide introductions, to explain the course, etc. I find that it really depends on the student population. For example, more experienced and older students (e.g. adults) usually like to cut to the chase and trim out all of the unnecessary introduction material. Younger and less experienced students usually need more time to adjust to the new environment, and they require more assurance.

One thing I've learned from teaching is the importance of the syllabus document: having a very well-developed, detailed, and informative syllabus helps not only the students, but also the teacher in terms of understanding the overall nature, structure and direction of the course as it unfolds. I recommend putting a lot of time and thought into developing this critical document. It should also be continually updated and improved as the instructor learns what works and what doesn't.

One thing I noticed about one's instructional style is that culture is often important. While teaching in the public secondary system in the US, I noticed that it's usually more effective to be stern with students at first, and then permit flexibility later. In other cultures, for example when I taught in Asia, it was the opposite: it paid off more to be very warm and open with students at first and then be strict later in the school year. I think it is important to note this important cultural difference in terms of instructional approaches.

I would like to think if as an instructor and i come prepared the students will feel confidence in me and also i would lead by example

Is it ok to let new students know about past unsuccessful behaviors from past students.

I have never understood fully the problems of dyslexia. I only knew that a few letters would be exchanged for others. After reading the sentence, and seeing how people with dyslexia see it I was shocked. I have learned a great deal from this.

I did not realize that students with many learning disabilities, had the same intellegence of those of average or higher. I was amazed to read about this. I did not think that they were less smart, but was able to understand how they were seeing things in a much better way,

I didn't realize that life experiences would be so critical in helping the students in class. I do use them periodically, but I think after reading this module, I will use them much more.

I have not experienced a great deal of this kind of a problem as yet. Most students that speak spanish, are very capable of understanding english. But it would seem to me that if you did have a great barrier, that it would continue to take away from the rest of the class. Is that true, or as you continue on, things would get easier?

I sometimes don't use enough gentures while in the classroom. I know I have a physical presense. But the times I have used gestures, I recall that it got the attention of the students in a much better way.

I realize that I should take the time to pause more often, to keep track of what everyone is doing in the classroom. It would definately keep me on track, as well as the students. I could spend more time with those that seem a bit lost.

I have found that the more instructional tools you give, the more the students will absorb. They are usually very excited with all of the different ways they can learn new topics.

I totally agree with this theory. It is important to get to your class early be organized, small talk with the students when they come in. This creates a calm atmoshpere.

I think it is very important to share some study skills that will help in each indiviual course.

It is very important to have a good course outline. It is easy to get side tracked with disscusion and having a strong course outline will help getting back on track.

I totally agree with looking professtional. It is very important to the way your class will run. I also agree with being on time and making sure assignments are turned in exactly when they are suppose to be.