Preparing to teach a new class can be difficult as one hones in on what to say and what not to say but I have found the prep stage to be the biggest aid I have to get it right the first time.

On the first day of a new class, be sure to get plenty of rest and sleep the night before. Be that you have dressed professionally and that you project self confidence. By doing this I believe that the students will be impressed and will look forward to the course at hand. Is there any ideas on how this suggestion could be changed or modified?

I asked in an earlier forum but I feel this forum is more appropiate for my question.... I'm finding it difficult to get used to being called by my last name and wouldn't mind being called Ms. Annie (my first name). Is this too friendly or informal? About half of the instructors at my campus use their first names so I wouldn't be going against the grain but I do want to maintain the role of class leader. How do you prefer to have your students refer to you and why?

This is one area that I personally think is critical,we are setting an example daily to our students as to what is expected from the majority of employers, and for this I think we must lead first so they can follow. Do you agree?

Preparing Handouts. I have spent time preparing handouts for students on procedures and note’s, to save time in class, only to find some of them left behind. This makes me wonder if they even read them. Now I make them copy all notes from the board to make sure they process the information and I feel I get better results.

As a new instructor, I find it hard getting used to being called by my last name. Sometimes, it just doesn't even register when I hear it. I'd prefer if they called me Ms. Annie (my first name) but is that professional enough? Is it overly friendly? Most other instructors at my campus use their last names or the first initial of their last name but there are a few who use their first names. Please share which way you prefer to be called and why.

In most of the classes that I teach, we have many training aids. I like to set several of these on the desks before beginning the first day of class. As students come in and I am meeting-and-greeting, taking roll and putting together my seating chart (I am lousy with names) they can pick up and touch and hold these in their hands and this will spark a curiosity in most of the students. I will then briefly discuss each part and let them know at which point in the class we will be going in-depth on each part. Another first day activity I stole from another teacher (we encourage ‘stealing’ ideas from other teachers here) is to write several key words or terms specific to the upcoming course and have the students write, on paper provided, what they think each word or term means. Even a wrong guess can become a powerful mnemonic for the student. Have fun John

By raising and lowing your voice this will keep the students from sleeping and keep them interested. Also moving around the class helps. Don't use a mono tone voice, this will disintest students quickly and put them to sleep.

For the students that need to stay focused on subject how would you do state changes?

As instructors we are being watched and judged by our students constantly. Making sure that we are being good models while still being Human can be hard. Weeks of hard work and earning respect can go down the tubes with one slip of the tongue or unprofessional action. Always keep your gaurd up.

Moving or walking around the classroom can also be an effective tool. By keeping everyone's attention on you while you are walking around will keep students interested about the subject and no sleeping in the classroom. also by doing this, it will allow you to concentrate on voice delivery throughout the class.

Observe your students when they first walk into your class room. Body language can speak louder that words and set the stage on how a student’s day will be. If they seem troubled, upset or half asleep pull the student to the side and discuss what the problem is. Sometimes they only need someone to talk to and this will show you care about them as a person and how they perform in your class room.

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.

I give them a relatively simple problem to solve,but I ask them to find all possibilities to the problem.By using group discussions and problem solving. I find that even the shy student will contribute.And it gives me a chance to praise their efforts...

I have presented shown videos in my classes, some have been in 5-10 minutes increments, one in particular was for 75 minutes or so. During my Faculty training, they discouraged us from showing complete videos due to students falling asleep, etc. Any ideas on what the industry standard is on how long the videos should be?

During a Faculty training a few weeks ago, the Facilitator showed YouTube footage of "what not to do" as an Instructor. It amazed me at some of the things they did, how they dressed and often times were inappropriate. Being a "model" for your students is a key to gaining respect!

I had the privilege of attending a Faculty training a few weeks ago. The Facilitator stated that books should be minimally used, if possible not at all, but to use other sources instead. It may be easier to do that with classes such as Photography. On the other hand, with Sociology classes there are many theories to cover and not many real-life experiences to apply to it. I do believe that real-life experiences are a crucial ingredient to teaching, but I do not believe it should replace the textbook.

I understand the syllabus is an "unspoken contract" between the student and the Instructor. I am curious to know how many Instructors have their students sign the back page of the syllabus. I am a new Instructor and have not heard of that before. I think it's a good idea. However, I wonder if students will automatically look at the Instructor as someone who does not trust them.

A teacher is just like an actor , the style of delivery is very important.

Students tend to save the handouts that are informative and creative . They will use it over and over.