I had to cover an instructor who called in sick. I never had her students before. When I walked into the class a student dropped her jaw. Just with their body language this large class communicated to me that I was not welcomed. Before they could pick up their jaws from the floor I immediately introduced my self. I gave a brief explanation about what happened to their teacher. I told them not to worry that they were in good hands. Please share any suggestions you might have for instructors who might come in the middle of the quarter to… >>>

During the month of December 2006, I continued a favorite academic / professional skill development practice. I received the permission of the Dean to have a Networking Event. This would incorporate my Management class, an English Composition Class and a Principles of Marketing class. I brought these classes together on a Saturday morning to allow an overlapping of real-life skills to occur in real-time. I asked the English Comp class to critique the resumes of the other classes. I asked the Principles of Marketing class to provide unusual methods to help the other classes market themselves to potential employers. I… >>>

Our students have an expectation for the classes in their chosen curriculum. They expect the newly-acquired information to be the stepping stone to success in their field. As they travel this academic journey, we have to create an environment that affords them the opportunity to free of the mental, social and familial chains. These chains have precluded them from being productive in the past. I promise the class that they will be in a cocoon free of the negative forces that haunt them daily. I share with them some of the obstacles that have been in my way, during the… >>>

Students expect a systematic approach to their learning of the main subjects in the course. One of the ways that I am receiving immediate feedback is the extension of a "Learning Agreement" with the individuals in the class. Initially, I called it a "Learning Contract", but our litigious society has put a negative connotation on the word, contract. I realized that using the word, agreement, indicates that both of us will be required to act in a very objective manner: pertaining to the course desired learning outcomes and practical applications to the real world. I provide a template to the… >>>

The First Day of Class One of the first items to cover in class is the criteria for the Participation Grade. A number of students believe that they have "participated" if they show up at some point in the class and occupy a seat. I give them a written outline of the parameters to acquire a score of 100 each day for Participation. It is up to them to earn the following points: 25 points - Arriving on time 25 points - Arriving prepared for class (reading, homework, etc.) 25 points - Active contribution to class activities, exercises and discussions… >>>

My classes consist of teaching students Product Design and the Fundamentals of Engineering Technology and most of the students come from a wide and varied background. I never liked taking tests myself so I try to assess my students by giving them design projects that show me the level of understanding and application of the material that they have acquired from the classroom. It also gives then the opportunity to add creativity to what they are doing by personalizing the product they design. So far this has worked well for me. I try to change the projects every so often… >>>

Since I am fairly new to the teaching profession I can always utilize new information to improve what students are "receiving" from my teaching methods. I have used the minute paper idea in class and it seemed to work well. My students never feel shy about telling me when they are bored. lol. I struggle with limitations of the facilities because much of industry cant be experienced in the environment of a school setting. It would be great to be able to give my students exposure to more machinery and manufacturing practices. I do use dvds and videos to show… >>>