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

students are individuals and we must adapt to their styles inorder to reach them

I have been in class before where I have heard students say that instructors think they know it all and they feel they are always right. I tell my students all the time that learning does not end when you become an instructor or has reached your career field of training. I stated to them that while I teach, I learn from my student too. I tell them to not place themselves in a box or shut down because there are so many other things to be learned while advancing in your career. As for instructors, we have to understand that no matter how long you teach a subject that each time you teach it, you learn something new. I find myself learning each and every time and bringing something new to the table.

I think it's safe to say that with each passing semester and addition of new students, that the student population is evolving. With all of the technological advancements and vast array of resources, the student today is much different than the student of yesterday. With that in mind, I do truly believe it's important to evolve with the students, so that they can retain, understanding, and eventually apply the material they've learned in a real world setting.

One of the most important things I believe, is presenting yourself in a manner overall in which the students can feel that they'll receive adequate instruction from the professor. The worst thing that can happen, is having a teacher lose confidence in their student, where they feel the instructor is not competent enough in presenting the material. Often, it's a make or break deal, that takes place on the very first day.

I really appreciate the emphasis that this module places on preparation. To this day, I still take time to look over my notes before a class, just to stay on top of things.

From the first time teacher, to the seniored professor who's mastered their craft, I think this course gives everyone something to learn. It definitely helps you sit back and assess what you're doing, and how to do it better.

Hello: As I enter the classroom. I try to put my self in the place of my students. In doing this I'm able to remember how I learned different sections of my material being covered. I have kept notes over the years and how I developed my learning process in school. I apply this to my classroom and students.

Hello: The first day of class sets the tone for the course as a whole. If you are not prepared to start the course you loose the confidence of the students.

Hello: I have found the more I put into my class prior to the class the better the class moves along. This preparation also allows the students to see my commitment to the material and their success in the classroom.