Self assessment and goal setting motivates students

I learned several tips which will help me to become a better instructor

Advanced multiple choice are great for improving critical thinking.

Student self assessments brings in the reality of their progress.

An allotment should be made during class time for questions.

all learning styles must be addressed during delivery to be effective.

Jeopardy is one game we’ve used for content review. Using powerpoint or similar software can really help with delivery of the clues and showing of correct responses. While it’s hard to use ‘open-ended’ questions for this, definitions, terms, and recognition of categories for presented items all seem to work well. We’ve had difficulty finding a way for contestants or teams to ‘ring in’ – to know who was first indicating they were ready to provide the ‘correct response’. Are there any suggestions for handling this? I’m always amazed at how excited and involved students tend to get in the games! When we play monopoly (answer questions when you land on the ‘streets’, pay/earn monopoly money), the environment quickly becomes lively and competitive. You can download pdf files to print your own monopoly money, which I find myself pointing out to the group when the competition really heats up. In math classes, we play a form of ‘bingo’ game, where you have to solve the equation that’s shown (on the board or projector) and find/mark off the correct answer on your bingo card. That one takes time to set up!!! Providing silly little prizes also tends to be surprisingly motivating. I’ve seen adults excited to wear their sticker, ribbon, or medal (look for kids’ birthday party favors) all day!!

The first week of class after giving my students a brief description of the course content and things they are going to be doing I require them to make a list of goals pertaining to the course. Throughout the quarter they are asked to look at their goals an see if they have accomplished any if not what do they need to do to accomplish at least half of their goals.

As an instructor you should present to your class motivation, enthuasism and energy to learn. The instuctor should also be very professional and knowledgable of the course subject and materials in order to have a successful course.

I think that it is important to have a syllabus availiable for your students the first day of class. Also the instructor should go over the syllabus with the students to make sure they understand the course requirements and content, and to answer any questions that the students may have.

I am a true believer that first impressions are lasting one. As an instructor we should present ourselves in a professional respectful manner. Our students are looking at how we present and carry ourselves so we must stay on top of our game.

Our college promotes the following first-day activity. It's called "HABES," and it comes from The Pacific Institute, I think. H - Habits A - Attitude B - Beliefs E - Expectations S - Strategies You ask the students questions regarding each element as they pertain to your particular course. These can be discussed or put in writing. Here's an example for an English composition class: What are your habits when it comes to writing? Do you write lists? Journal? Letters? Post-its? etc. What is your attitude toward writing? What are your beliefs about writing? Write a sentence that begins "I believe writing . . . " What are your expectations for this course? What are your expectations of yourself? What are your expectations of your instructor (me)? What strategies will help you succeed?

Students with learning disabilities sometime require more time and patience than our average learner. As an instructor we must understand their situation and offer resources and help that they may need.

As an instructor I think that it is important to be able to understand differences in students and to be able to accommodate them. We should know what our students special needs are so that we can help or either offer them the resources that can help them.

I personally like for my students to work in groups. It gives them a chance to express themselves while utilizing the opinions or help from their peers. Also it allows them to learn how to work with others, teamwork!

I'm a fairly new instructor and I have found out that when I do move from behind the desk, which is my comfort zone I do feel as though I'm relating with my students better and my word flow is better. So I do believe that instructors should move around not pace but at least move twice during a lecture.

From my experience, less is more on Power Points. The less text the better. Power Points should be visual cues for you and your students... nothing more. Excessive text means they re writing and not listening to you.

One thing I have noted is that instructors who have taught a course many times seem to go into a lecture cold. I feel you need to review the material EVERY time you teach it... first or fortieth time.

So I did.

On the first day of class I show a power point that is all about me. I give my background, relevant job experience and some personal information (hobbies, interests, etc). It feels like adding the personal information breaks down some barriers... makes me a person, not just an instructor. That being said, I still maintain a strict student-teacher dichotomy. Do you think this is a good idea?