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Ask a question from your peers to help you in your professional work. Seek different points of view on a topic that interests you. Start a thought-provoking conversation about a hot, current topic. Encourage your peers to join you in the discussion, and feel free to facilitate the discussion. As a community of educators, all members of the Career Ed Lounge are empowered to act as a discussion facilitator to help us all learn from each other.

How to introduce yourself?

Should I provide just educational/ technical skills of myself or is it appropriate to mention any personal traits as well?

Instructional Methods

I teach in the English Department and I have found that games and activities used when teaching grammar is much more effective than other traditional methods.

New class, New Delivery

Change is constant. So in order to make a topic interesting and relevant to students. Change the delivery and try to accomadate most learning styles.

I was a nervous wreck

The first time I had to stand in front of an audience and have them judge me from head to toe.

Having objectives changed my delivery

This is my first time teaching at a university level. I am now familiar with establishing objectives prior to each class.

Approaching students as a human being

We are all humans and make mistakes. We are not perfect.

student groups

What if a student demands to have their group changed due to not getting along with other group participants?

repetition

questioning thru repetition appears to work very well with my students and remember more

Test formats

I use mostly multiple choice formats for my tests, because the students certification tests are in multiple choice format and it helps them to 'get used to' taking tests in this way.

Evaluating students

It is important to give students regular feedback regarding their progress in your class. A student has the right to know where they stand gradewise. Using progess reports and offering tutoring for those who are struggling is an effective tool.

Encouraging student questions

I find that alot of students are afraid to ask to ask questions, because they don't want to be labeled 'stupid'. I always say at the start of each class that there are no stupid question, except the ones not asked.

Screencasting

I am fairly new to teaching online (10 months) and am finding that students greatly benefit from feedback on their work. To avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, I am looking into screencasting options. I need something Mac compatible and have heard good things about Jing although I have access to use Camtasia for free. Any opinions and recommendations would be welcome. Also, if there is a CEE class that covers this, please let me know.

Learning styles

It is very important to look into your students learning style. I want them to succeed and this gives them the best chance.

eye contact

eye contact is important to give students time to answer questions or become involved it the lecture, it also shows that all studens are included. But not to a point were it is the same students you are making eye contact with. eye contact is that personal conection for each student bearing in mind some students do not feel comfortable with this technique, maybe shy, nervous or a cultural influence

assignments

I feel short essay are the best way to test knowledge of the student

learning actively

what is the best tool to accomplish this?

involvement

how much is to much?

Asking a student a question who is not paying attention.

I have often asked students questions who were not paying attention, but I noticed that in this learning module, it discourages that. Are we coddling them too much? Don't want to embaraess them? I find that sometimes it really wakes them up.

Greeting the Class

Something I have never done as an instructor on the first day is standing at the door and greeting students as they enter the room for the first time. This is a great idea that I intend to use in the future! In the past, I have stood at the front of the room, waiting for students to get settled in their seats. I realize now that this may come across as intimidating and may not help make the best first impression. By greeting students individually as they enter, I will be able to impact their learning even sooner than waiting until everyone has assembled. What ways do others here greet their classes?

Individual Teaching Style

I really liked how this module discussed reflecting on our past as we establish our own personal teaching style. Something I never realized is how much my past instructors have influenced the way I teach. My favorite instructors were those who not only had a passion for their subject, but also showed respect for the students who wished to learn about the subject matter, too. They were passionate in the classroom and enthusiastic about passing on their knowledge to their students. I realize now that I try to emulate the teaching styles that were most effective for me as a student. What past experiences influence your role as an instructor?