I am a new instructor at my institution. One of the classes I am teaching was previously taught by the department director. I have heard from our Dean how fabulous she was in the course and how much previous students loved her. Well having me teach the course came late in the planning as the dept. director was needed to teach another course related to certification issues. I did speak at length with the prior instructor about her talent and it turns our she has a natural talent and almost photo-graphic memory. Neither of which I have for this subject. To make matters worse, my first session of this class was a bomb! I had the worse AV & computer difficulties (not my fault but still-ugh). So rotten first impression. I was prepared for some disappointed students then I added to it with a bomb class. What I thought would be a fun class for all has been rather anxiety provoking for me. Any tips for recovering? BTW 2nd class was really good.

It is important to encourage students with learning disabilities

It is important to acknowledge the diverse learning styles of students

It is important to organize students into learning groups because it enhances their learning abilities

It is important to practice excellent communication skills as an insructor

what different and innovative methods can we use that will also allow us to follow the course rules and meet its objectives?

During an instruction how many styles can be merged together to get the students a better understanding of the course? Usually 2-3 styles are normally merged including lecture, powerpoint and diagrams.

I like to break the class up. I lecture for a while, then we take a break and do some hands on. I also give them a 10 min. break halfway through to stretch and walk around. This gets the blood flowing and wakes them up a bit. Usually about halfway through a 2 hour class you can see their eyes starting to lose focus and wonder.

I believe that the first class time will make or break you for the term of the class. You want to come across firm but yet approachable. You don't want to be taken as a push over but you don't want to come across as the teacher everyone fears. You want to make known that you expect the policies and rules to be followed but are understanding at the same time.

I have a difficult time coming up with enough to lecture on. I know the information but seem to have trouble relaying it to the students. How do you get more comfortable with lecture and putting everything you want to say into words?

is it best to use multiple formats when contructing a test or stick to one method?

Give me some examples on how?

I tell my students from day one, that I will be changing their work groups almost daily. I tell them that this is as it will be in the work force. Where each person must work with and attain to strive to an end with a group of people who are not all on the same page, but must still write the book

I find that one of the most trying things for the student is technical terms. Wordsthat are not found in their language. This is very troubling to them.

I wholeheartedly agree that a great teacher is a Model, a Manager and a Motivator. To me, this combination of traits makes a teacher, ultimately,a Mentor.

I am a first time instructor. I am pretty confident with everything that I do, but find myself doubting my ability to educate students. I know once I figure it out I'll be fine, but finding the confidence is turning out to be harder then I ever had thought. How do some of you find the confidence to teach others? It's their careers on the line.

what are ways to do this without making it boring?

what are some other ways to make new students feel comfortable?

what are some good tips to make sure you are prepared for each class?

what are ways to improve yourself if you are a new teacher?