In the past I have been successful in using what I call the "15-15-15" rule. Aproximately 15 Minutes each of lecture, demonstration, and lab/hands-on. Students are definitely more engaged and they enjoy class more when things are broken up. Knowing how long your labs will take is a big factor in planning. If using labs from a textbook or lab manuals, choosing ones that tell you how much time a lab should take makes planning easier. I usually prioritize my time by lab first, then lecture, then demonstration.

I feel confident on the first day. Because there are fresh faces and I can mold them into what is to become educated people. Also, their usually ready to learn and get into the routine. I usually try to keep that spirit throughout the course.

In my industry (audio recording) wearing a suit and tie to class would create an awkward dynamic between myself as an instructor and students interested in the industry. I do spend time in my class discussing appropriate clothing for different roles in the audio industry. For example an on-location sound recordist need a totally different wardrobe than a hip-hop beat maker/producer.

I try to convey to all my students that a professional image is just as important if not more important then technical skill. more and more shops are becoming show places and employees are very much a part of their marketing. I tell them you can be the most skilled tech in the area but if you dont dress and act the part your oportunities will be limited.

trust what you are teaching

Often times I see instructors that are monotone and boring that can't understand why the students are not retaining the information that the instructor is putting out. One of the ways that I combat this and try to help instructors combat this problem is to design demonstrations and stories that have props that can trigger a line of thought for the students. The use of the stories along with a good funny situation may not trigger the information but it gives them a reference to look in their notes or in the text. It makes lectures more interesting and engaging for the students and for me.

I have noticed at times when a student discloses a disability other classmates are more than willing to help them overcome it with suggestions for improvement.

Giving the student expectations and required learning outcomes from the start can be a motivator.

Students will need to be excited about group work in order to accept the assignment. Alway explain why the group work is necessary and the advantages it can bring to the table.

I am confused. In your discussion of fonts, you emphasize Times Roman but also include Arial and Helvetica. However, throughout the entire presentation, you use Arial exclusively. Personally, I prefer Arial as it is a cleaner typeface than Times Roman and is easier on the eyes. Have I missed something here?

I am fascinated by the inclusion of music into the classroom. The information in the section on music was informative, but is missing a basic ingredient: what music has been used in the past that has the most positive impact on students. I don't want to "plow old ground" when there must be instructors out there who have successfully integrated music into their presentations and know what works and, more importantly, what does NOT work.

I have recently become credentialed as an instructor for an APTA course. As part of the credentialing, we were required to teach portions of the curriculum in front of fellow students. A consistent comment from my peers who were assessing me was that I did not leave enough time after my questions to allow for answers. I am learning to be comfortable with the silence as the students process the information.

Eye contact can be made by changing your position in the room frequently as well.

I have students personalize mnemonics during class. Retention comes easier when it is personalized.

I use seating that promotes teamwork. It is an important component in their field of study. It promotes success in the classroom and cohesion among classmates.

Simulation in the career education setting is the most effective learning for the beginner. When it is repeated and feedback is given, the objectives can also be aligned at this point.

Instructions should be clear to eliminate any confusion when completing tasks, assignments, or even just an answer to a question.

Testint formats play a huge role in the assessment of a student's learning progress. Finding the appropriate type of testing for your individual classes can also be difficult. Being aware of the different types of tests and the pros and cons versus the objective versus subjective is great. This CEE is helping me tremendously.

Alternative learning methods are great to use. Changing your teaching method enhances your students personally and educationally and also opens their eyes to new ideas about themselves. New methods also allow the instructor to see the students in a different light.

as with most classes we have an attendance policy for our students, as of late I have noticed I am having issues with students on this, they are constantly late to class or missing more than the allowed number of absences, I am constantly trying to impart the need for attendance in both keeping up with the class lectures and projects needed to pass and also the facts that the industry I teach in attendance is one of the key goals employers look for, are there any other thing I could be doing as an instructor to get this accross to my students?