Treating other people the way you would like to be treated sets a standard for students to aspire to. If students can see this modeled for them by instructors will they follow that example or not ? I think so by saying exactly what you mean and by always meaning what you say!

What are some of the different ways you prepare your course content to address the different learning styles?

In our courses the students seem to be more motivated when we are doing hands on work. A majority of our students are just out of high school and are tired of book learning

We seem to get alot of students that gp out of their way to prove an instructor wrong. When a student gives me a question that I feel is being used to "stump" me I will usually turn the question over to the students in order to start a dialouge in class. Many times more than one student will have the correct answer. I do this not to embarass the student, but to show him that that I am not the only source of information in the class. I also explain (especially if it is off-subject) that i would gladly discuss the question after class with him.

I feel that you must motivate the student to keep them interested in what you teach, regardless of what you teach. Make class fun, add humor and talk about real world experience.

I have a lot of encouragement towards education and its benefits to share with my students. I also have impressive examples of success. What are some other motivating factors.

Be prepared, dont get nervous!!!

If you dont plan you will get stuck. Plan for questions that could be asked.

How can I get students to not compare me to there old instructor? My way of teaching is different than their old and its hard for students to get use to that. What can I do?

I feel in some of the subject I deliver, there are a few students that are not grasping the material in the alloted time frame.

My course is 80 to 90% hands on. Lecture time is on opening day of each phase I spend 2 to3 hours on this and the rest of the time 15 to 20 minutes lecturing per day. The rest of class time is in lab. Is this the best way or how can I improve?

I am of the opinion that with smaller class sizes (Under 20) allows for more of an informal forum where I can utilize my professional work experiences as part of the lecture more often, and adult learners can share their experiences as well. With larger class groups the time to cover the given material in the syllabus takes up more time due to q & a, and covering the requirements.

I always have a hard time remembering that my way of learning is not best for everyone. What are some things that can be done to more quickly identify learning styles in a new group of students? I guess asking the students might be a way to find out. Thoughts?

On the first day, I explain what I want from the students, but I turn the tables on the students. I make them present what is needed. They must explain to me and make me understand that they understand.

When dealing with adult learners, the consensus seems to be that they have returned to school to "Make more money" however, this is not generally the case. More often than not, they have personal issues. Such as, completing something they have not acheived in the past due to personal issue....children, marriage, lack of resources. I genrally teach my classes differently than I would for indivdiduals who have recently graduated from high school, becasue these people are currently in the workforce, and have "Real life" experience to add to the class discussions. More often than not I end learning a considerable amount from them as well.

It can be difficult when utilizing a syllabus that is in place already for a particular course of study. By this I mean it is not tailored to your specific teaching style. For instance, some instructors have more "Real world" experience to apply to their courses, and do not rely soley on power point presentations, and textbook quotations. This being said, the instructor who has more experience can tailor class discussion topics, and projects to more relevant material that is currently occuring in society.

I use a variety of learning techniques in my class, this one would help with a multitude of learners.

I feel it is important to let the students know that you (as an instructor) are human too! I've seen students come into a class and tremble if they get called on to awnser a question, and in some cases just to talk in front of a group. Getting the students comfortable or relaxed in the class room situation is an important first step in the students success.

What methods do you use or will you use to keep your students motivated to achieve the required course goals? What do you or will you use to motivate them to achieve the required professionalism in the work environment they are entering?

One of the things we focus on in our school is "keyboard commands" with the application we teach. After several weeks, if the students are STILL using the mouse instead of key commands, I have them wear an "Uncle Sam"-style hat that I found for $2.00 at a local party-store. I placed a sign on the front of the hat that says "I used the mouse to switch edit tools" Any student guilty of the offense must wear the hat until our break-time. No student has ever felt intimidated by this, and it always seems to keep the others on their toes so they will not have to wear the hat! Just a quick idea for the forum.