I like to introduce myself, tell a little about my teaching experience, work experience, etc. then I call the roll. I give the students an index card where they put their full name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and any information they want me to know. I give them a second card where they tell me what name they want to be called. Then we go around the room in radom order and each student introduces themselves to the class. Then I hand a game search of questions so they can get to know one another. This really helps the students get to know one another.

I teach an Anatomy and Physiology class and I have one student that is a complainer that states she is bored with the class. I try to think of creative ways for them to learn the content, besides reading the chapters all the time. Any other suggestions?

When I meet my class for the first time, I like to do several ice-breakers to engage them and make them feel comfortable. Anyone have and other ideas?

I always feel it is needed to have everything planned for my class, managing their time and mine is important. Thats why I like lesson plans

I also seem to push my students to strive for perfection however sometines they get discouraged

I mainly use two strategies to bring relevant course content to the students: 1) review the course and curriculum requirements and 2) guest speakers. I am a nursing instructor and there are certain requirements that students must learn to get their degrees. As I plan my course and do my lesson plans, I review those requirements often to help me keep on track. My second strategy is great for me and the students. Hearing from different professionals help the students understand the relevancy of the content and being able to connect it to the "real" world helps solidify its importance. It's great for me because I get a little rest!

I agree with the postings that say be clear, walk the talk, and be human. I try to set the stage by being clear about my expectations. I've learn that I can' assume students (or anyone else) can read my mind so I have to verbalize using simple and straightforward language. "My expectations from you are...." Then I think it's very important to be a role model. Students are smart! They know how to get around the system and if they see you not living up to your standards, they don't feel the need to do it themselves! And lastly, we are all humans who don't do things 100% of the time. So when there are times when you or the students do not meet expectations it is very important to acknowledge the consequences.

By re-enforcing to the students that the success of the educational program(s) are realistic goals. That these goals will promote success in their future career goal.

I think of the learning environment as similar to parenting. You have to be supportive of the students so they can learn and make mistakes, but you can't be their "pal" and give them what they want when it's not conducive to learning. I find that faculty I've had or worked with sometimes try to cater to the students so much, they've just cut the student's learning experience. I think having clear, consistent, and appropriate expectations make a positive learning environment where both students and teachers know what their roles are (even if the outcome is negative i.e. bad grades).

Taking a thorough assesment of your classroom will provide the instructor an opportunity to eliminate any environmental barriers.

The common sense approach has been my most effective method of getting the students to have a real interest in their learning.

The Pygmalion Effect states it is a theory that claims a learner does as well as you think he or she can. I do agree with that. I was reading in a textbook that some people are fearful of trying to do certain task because they are told that they cannot do it. Even though this occurs, it is totally our responsilblity as instructors to help our students to get on task. We should be able to find ways to address the issues so that it can provide successful performances by the student.

I think it's so important to show your students that we care about them as people and about their success. The students can see through a phony. Listen to the student! Sometimes this will take more of your energy, but thats when the students needs you the most.

I think we all can do a lot more then just say "Hello my name is ". In my opinion this does nothing to break down the barriers the students bring to school. I like to think we can do this with a more creative flare. Personally I like to open up the very first day with something funny and then tell the students about myself. I Then put the students into pairs and they talk and get to know each other. They then introduce their new classmate to the others and share what they learned about them. Here is a fun game........ I have done this to get the student barriers broken down with each other the first day. I list about 10 things on the board ex. who has a pet snake , longest time to get to school, largest family size, who has been to alaska ok I think you have the idea. I then let the entire class loose to chat with each other and try to find who in the class fits the questions I asked. This gets the entire class at a distance of personal space leading to barrier break down. They are told to chat with as many students as they can before the allowed time has ended. I remind them to switch to keep them moving to more students. I then ask who has the answers to the questions I listed on the board. This is a great way to ingage the class ask questions and begin a rapport with them. I hope you will give it a try or think of another way to break down barriers the first day of school.

Planning and preparation is the essential elements in successful teaching. Once you have the lesson planned and the preparation materials made all that is left to do is show up early for class and use PowerPoint Presentation or white board to present the material then have a hands-on project to re-enforce the concept taught.

My Instructional Style consists of providing a safe and supportative environment where encouragement, support, and fairness prevail.I try to teach to all the student learning styles plus giving as much individual help as requested by the students.

I am an instructor at a technical college, and I find that my biggest issues arise in bridging the gap between the recent high school graduates and the students who coming back after raising a family or changing careers. So of course I have students who catch on quicker, have the time to go home and study all night, those who leave campus heading straight to work, and those who go home and are moms/dads. Any suggestions on how to shorten that gap, so that I am able to spend time going over the lessons so that those who require a little more time can catch it and at the same time not bore the other students by spending extra time or slowing down the lesson?

assessment..test should be re-worded.....it brings about fear in the student

feedback is important but also how it is delivered.....tone

teachers learn a new prespective if they listen to the answers of the questions