I first wrote my name on the board and what I perfered to be called. I wrote the course name. I shoke each one of their hands,and introduced myself, and asked their named. I then asked each one about their goals and what they hoped to achieve with this course.

These ideas covered some good ground, with the different types of tests showing different advantages and disadvantages. Writing that great question is satisfying and ultimately helps the student! One thing that should not be forgotten is the readability of format, not just content. That is, using white space effectively, having proper indenting, readable font size and type, and not crowding the margins. These are often forgotten and can result in just as much frustration as a question that's worded poorly.

Does anyone else find test-writing fun? Writing a good test takes a lot of time but if you can write an effective one overall (not to mention fun questions throughout), it is strangely fulfilling. (Especially when the students seem to have fun taking it ...)

I had a situation on a new job where, teaching the last class before graduation. The problem was that I had to fail a student in this course. At that point I was suddenly labled as the professor that "failed the senior". The next semester the class I was teaching was so nervous and fearful based on the semester before...how do you go about changing that label? How can you make a good impression when you have already been judged?

This has been a significant part of my development as a teacher -- developing class discussion that is more focused on the student rather than on the specific information I have preopared for class. I don't feel like I'm quite there yet, but I can see how my questioning has involved more redirection, more wait time, less specificity. It takes a little more work but the results have been highly worthwhile.

It is our job as educators to meet the needs of our students; esspecially those who cannot access the material without help.

Enjoyed looking at all your comments

This stuff sure will help me reach more students.

I often focus my exams and evaluations on content application not rote memorization of terms or concepts. In order to demonstrate that they have understood the concepts I have covered I ask questions related to the material and ask my students to relate it to their own experiences or career goals. This works as an excellent way for me to get to know my students aspirations more personally so I can better tailor the educational experience for them. However, I am finding it difficult to find a balance between grading for content of the essays and being distracted by lack of grammar, spelling, and basic sentence structure. I started the term more lenient and have become increasingly more nit-picky about the aforementioned things. My problem, I am finding, is convincing my students that knowing how to structure an essay or even write a coherent sentence is important to their future careers, which are mostly hands-on trades. Any suggestions?

I teach creative individuals who are attempting to become working artists. I have found tests based around skill tasks to be the best method of assessing understand of the core techniques they will need to use every day on the job.

I have found that early and often assessment have yielded the best student outcomes.

I love using this technique in class, keeps students engaged, on their toes, and away from Facebook.

What a revelation! Used information about Kinesthetic learning to help a student understand a concept in class. The topic was how to move objects in a 3D space. One student was having a difficult time comprehending the lecture, but when I used some cubic blocks to demonstrate, and invited him to play with them, he finally got it. Very cool stuff. Thanks for the information.

One must ensure we address every learning type to ensure all students are being instructed and giving the same opportunity to succeed in the class.

A first impression can only be done the first time. It goes hand to hand with prepared and organized for class.

It is very important to always be prepared. Our students will know when we are prepared and organized.

How important is it to follow the order provided in this module?

To ensure the instructor and students learn each others expectations I ask students to write me a note sharing about themselves and what they expect from the course. The success is proven in the motivation of students and helps me meet all expectations.

As an instructor what models do you use that help you prepare and plan?

As an instructor I strive to provide resources that are high tech and high touch to students. High tech meaning sharing the latest and best websites and internet resources.High touch meaning the best places to network to find the perfect job after graduation. Please share any resources that have helped you or your students.