In some of our courses,we would lecture on the subject sometimes for hours then go to the lab and actively perform the activities we had lectured on. This works to an extent. One course I teach in particular, has made a big move toward the active learning style and I, personally, have been able to see a much improved outcome from it. Much of the lecture material has been converted to operating and testing instructions that the students use as they are physically able to experience the outcome of their actions in real time. This method seems to dramatically strengthen their understanding and gives them a much better initial grasp of the material and concepts.

Some methods I have used involve game-style tactics to either prepare a class for a test, or to introduce a new topic and see how muck knowledge is already out there. Can anyone share some methods that have worked for you?

I am new to teaching so my experience using active learning is limited. As a student however I was always the type of person who learns better through involved methods as opposed to pure lecture. It’s been said many times throughout this forum of the need for a blend and again from a student’s perspective I believe this is spot on.

I've often been in classes myself with instructors who would not use any active learning techniques. They were some of my worst classes. I believe some individuals may believe so strongly in "old school" methods that they refuse to adopt these practices. I find active learning greatly improves knowledge retention and allows the students to practice applying the knowledge they have gained. My students stay alert in class and really seem to enjoy the constant participation in their education and gain confidence that they truly can understand the material.

I am always concerned about making sure that all the content gets covered. A great method I learned from a seminar by L. Dee Fink author of "Creating Signficant Learning Experiences", is to require that the students do the reading and memorize the needed facts first and come to class prepared to discuss their application. To be sure that they are prepared there is a quiz at the begining of class for each student to take individually. Then small groups take the test together and have to come up with a consensus for the right answer. The resulting discussion during the group test is full of active learning techniques.

I think asking questions in class shows the instructor that the student is in learning mode. It prompts them to have open ideas about the subject. When students are not asking questions, I typically quiz them. Once they are quizzed, the questions start flow again. Again, I think it is a matter of knowing your audience(students).

I have been teaching for a little over 5 years now. I must say, it is critical to know each students learning style. As a instructor, you want to be able to reach each student in order for them to walk away with something if it is visual, auditory or kinesthetic. It also prompts the instructor to grow in other areas to become more successful and master their skill set.

These students need more time to learn but they really want to learn, so I believe that the Instructor has to be patience in teaching them and have to utilize all simple means to teach them and achieve the required goal.

Language is a big barrier. I think the students with language barriers should be provided with some help from the institute they are studying in.

Diversity in teaching helps many students and focus many things rather than staying focus at something which might not bring interest in students learning.

I believe that body language of an instructor plays big role in delivering lecture. A positive body language conveys the student that the instructor is well prepared and is concerned with students learning.

Tactile learning for my students is the best way to intake mass amounts of information and skill sets. Unfortunately we don't have time to introduce all materials that way, so I try to meet them in the middle with multimedia examples.

Being an expertise of subject instructor who works with students being predominantly young males I get the alpha personas that question authority. That's fine unless it's to take control of my class. At the beginning of a course establishing who you are and what you expect sets the foreground of what's appropriate classroom discussions.

At my college I teach in two hour segments, with an interval ten minute break. Which has taught me to deversify teaching techniques. Taking this particular MaxKnowlege course has re-enforced that. Adults 10-15 attention span was a surprise. I did not know research had reflected such a short period.

I've learned that arriving early to class and greeting my students with the occasional small talk reduces stress in the environment. Also there are fewer random distractions during class than when I arrive just before class.

On the first day of class, I have found when students find out a little something about a fellow classmate(s), it seems to change the social climate of the class atmosphere from one of, say, cold, to one of social connections and relaxations. I am always looking for new ice breakers (i.e. a site where I can learn new ones). Would anyone share some of your first day of class ice breakers. Thanks!

I have taught in colleges where I wrote my on respective class syllabus and in those colleges where I must follow one the colleges provides. Currently, where I teach, the college provides the syllabus I must follow. I find it difficult to stay on task, so, at the beginning of each course, I add a supplement explaining what will be in concluded and exculded for the original. Question? Is there a better way?

This seems to be the biggest challenge for me. They always seem to be checking their phone for texts or Facebook or running around the lab area to talk to their friends in other classes. What is a good way to beat this issue?

This struck me as putting everthing in teaching,regardless of subjuct matter in a nutshell, so to speak. In order to continue to strive for improvement in the classroom, credibility, candidness, compassion, committment and clearity is needed coupled with professional growth and development. I have made copies of these "C"'s and posted them in a noticeable place in my office for a constant reminder. As always I learned as I strive to be a better teacher.

We all have a plan on how today's lesson is going to be, but when class turns into nap time it's time to shift gears. I try one style and if that method doesn't work either the students are overburden with information or they're apathetic and can't see the importance of this knowledge. I give them an example of how knowing certain information will let them segue into better careers.