One challenge that we face is a relatively short time frame of three weeks/ninety hours in which to deliver an abundance of information and at the same time assess special needs of individual students. I believe that a consistent method of presenting information and instruction from subject to subject allows the student to acclimate quicker to each new class enviroment and better esure their individual success. The more consistently the class is managed, the simpler it is to evaluate special needs as well as promote success for individual students and the instructor. At the same time this bolsters student retention.

In my previous instructional postions, I was able to make my own tests & quizes. As we encourage our students to persue the ASE Certification Tests I always constructed my tests in that format; i.e. multiple choice, some with "refer to illustration" and usually 25 to 50 questions in length. In my opinion, by mimicking the ASE format and length we better prepare them for the actual type of written test they might eventually benefit from taking.

As part of ANY course I instruct, I frequently refer to the interpersonal relationships that are so much a part of our everyday lives we tend to take them for granted. Every student has a friend/relative/associate/aquaintance that they "like"; that everyone seems to get along with; that they themselves would like to emulate. I suggest to them that THAT person has DEMONSTRATED soft skills. And that they should consider using that person as a role model.

I have been a barber for 22 years. I am going to be an instructor at the college I attended. I am more worried about bringing bad habits to the table with all the the years of being in the business. This course has really helped me decide that my choice of becoming a instructor will be rewarding one. How do you suggest to monitor bad habits?

It is always important to use more than one delevery method to give course material. Keeping an open mind in the first day or two of meeting the new class will allow you time to survey what styles you will need to use to best suit everyone.

It is important for all educators to keep themselves updated on the new developments in whatever field they are teaching. If not it tends to become stale.

I've found that the first day of class sets the tone for the whole phase. Good class control on the first day is vital to establish a proper learning enviroment and to head off future problems. Before class starts I like to have the course materials laid out at every seat, chairs down, and the room organized. I know I have to have my best game face on for the first day, first impressions set the tone. If I have a student that is disruptive, which is very rare, I make a point of yanking his sorry butt out into the hall for alittle heart to heart chat about what I expect from him. This is always appreciated by the rest of the students. Doug Ramsey, Instructor,UTI Avondale

I plan on using the provided link to find CATs that can be used to fill the last 20 minutes or so of class time. I also plan to share with my students the information learned in this session about the higher number of positions that are lost due to poor communication skills rather than poor skill level in their trade.

plan ahead for the next course cycle during the current course if you are doing the same class.

Hello, Years of experience supports my knowlege base of the various course subjects. I am looking for suggestions to survive the jump into random places through out the differnt course modules which are lecture and then lab. The teachers that I will cover for may only give limited info as to what has been covered. I want to avoid wasting time and maximize the one day hits that will be given me. Thank you, Glenda Bisbee

Class begins with a greeting. I introduce myself and provide a brief biography. I then ask each of the student to introduce themselves. I like to know where they're from and what program they are taking. After the introductions are over everyone is a bit more at ease. I then begin to explain the expectations in the class. this falls into 2 catagories. The first being expected professional behavior. The second being what is expected of their technical skill to pass the class. Setting the expectations on day one establishes the appropriate tone for the remainder of the class.

Planning and preperation are paramount to the success of any class. From the first day to the last taking time before each class to set up a tenative schedule for that day is a priceless key to success in the classroom. If you are prepared, you present an air of confidence to your students. This creates a trust and secure feeling in the information that you are presenting. When a learner trusts the presentation and the presenter they become more engaged. This engagement leads to a more complete understanding of the information being presented.

I will be taking over the class of an instructor that the students have grown very fond of and are sad to see her leave. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how help them transition from an instructor they really liked to a me, a first time instructor?

I know it is better for me to learn by doing, but I always need to keep in mind that it isn't always the best way for my students to learn. In the end, that is what they do, but initially some need more demonstration than others.

The first day of class is the ideal time to remember that most class attitudes are a direct reflection of your attitude. I have seen many times over where class control issues evolved from an instructors mistake of not taking control and showing the class that they are in charge but not unapproachable. If you love what you do, show it.

Planning and experience are some of the pieces which fit together to create a successful instructional session. By varying the delivery of the course materials and the way in which the students are to learn and acquire new knowledge and skills, promotes a greater mastery by the students.

I teach at a large technical school, and the instructors are encouraged to dress-up the classrooms. My students are happy as long as they aren't bored, so I try to keep them entertained during lecture. My course is Advanced Diagnostic Systems, and we have two large cans hanging from the ceiling about 8 ft. apart. They are connected by a string which has a sign attached "CAN NETWORKING". We do cover controller area networks, and the students get a laugh when they notice it.I also use posters that relate to the automotive industry to brighten up the room. Doug Ramsey Instructor UTI, Avondale

Would it suffice to ask the students to turn in cards with a few things they would REALLY like to learn and perhaps devote a class to those topics? Many times interest is lost due to the student thinking they are not appreciated as a learner and not listened to. It seems encouraging for the student if the instructor was willing to spend time on 'their' topic of interest as long as it pertained to the course. Besides, it would be an interesting way to poll the class and see if maybe there is one topic that comes up often.

I will be doing clinical rotation for LVN to RN students. I am considering asking the students to list their goals towards becoming an RN. Any thoughts

I have found it difficult to surmise the lenght of time diffrant classes can be focused on the first day. However after careful observation I can plan my presentation much better after day one. I do however teach a 15 day modgule and time is fleeting when it comes to developing and recongnising problem students.