In meeting the class for the first time, it's important for the instructor to set the stage that portrays respect among students and the instructor.

What I tend to do is, depending on the size of the class, I go around the room and have them say who they are, where they're from, what they are doing here (at the school), and what do they hope to accomplish. Sometimes it goes quick, sometimes some students have much to say which, if I feel it is, sometimes ties to some of the course objectives.

Previous to my current position I instructed a multi-subject module wherein I had, over a 3 month period, the need to present basic automotive electical skills, steering, suspension & alignment fundamentals, HVAC and introductions to hydraulics, welding and preventative maintainance. I wrote and constantly ammended or updated individual worksheets for the students to use as they applied there classroom instruction to actual componentry repair, adjustment or service. These proved to be most effective as they insured the students performed the correct tasks in the correct order and to the necessary level of competence as confirmed by the measurements and answers they submitted. A student unable to completely answer all areas or arrive at a logical/sensible conclusion could be easily identified and then helped.

Teaching nursing in the clinical setting is vastly different from other disciplines. The current research indicates the critical thinking occurs in the post conference. I use the Socratic style here. With the advent of simulation labs, you will find the debriefing post simulation is a close match to post conference using socratic questions. Post conference is not just a time to rattle off the litany of chores preformed for the day. It is a time to connect the data and analyze the results.

Having a plan and being prepared is important to keep your class focused and to reduce stress. Your students will follow your lead.

There is so much professionalism lacking today. Every day we have to lead by example.

The first day is your first opportunity to make a connection. It is important for your students to know enough about you that they feel comfortable with you for that connection to be possible.

This course is a great reminder of things I haven't given much thought about in awhile.

good information on guidelines for test writing.

I find if i review the material from the day before that will be on the test the students do much better.

Not everyone gets a chance to see the fruits of their hard work. Teaching students provides a channce to pass their knowledge on to the next generation and impact the profession on a much larger scope. For me teaching is more than reading from a book or grading assignments. It's a unique position that requires an instructor to connect with students on a personal/emotional level. I have been an instructor for 3 years now and I have truely enjoyed it!!! G. Martinez

In my opinion, a key important part of developing as an instructor is to gain experience in different instructional classroom and lab environments.Remember your students want the information that you their instructor are able to provide them. Remember to have fun and display your passion for the subject matter to your students.

Once students have a direction to go in, they can focus on the expectations in place.

i think Q&A during lecture lets you know how the students are grasping the information.

We have had some training on this topic that has helped me alot.

I never thought that having the name of the class on the board was a big deal on the first day of class but it really would put students at ease of knowing they belong in that room.

An instructor not only teaches career skills but also values that were omitted during previous educational years by others who lost the passion of teaching.

Has anyone else ever tried this?: After a student has finished speaking about him/herself, I have each student introduce another student (randomly chosen by me). It's a slightly different spin on the intros and gives the students a chance to say something about a student they don't normally associate with.

Delivery of course information must be in a manner that can be understood by all students. This means that as an instructor we must be so flexible that any student can pick up the required information. This also means that class prep and training is key

The first day of the class sets the tone for the whole course. Bad habits allowed on the first day will be harder to fix later on in the course