I completely grasp the concepts and necessities of teaching students on ALL levels of their own learning. However, the issue I am facing is more focused toward the Kinesthetic learner. I am finding it difficult to come up with physical activities for my Anatomy & Physiology Medical Assisting class. As we all know, there are numerous websites out there, however they are more focused on middle school and high school age ranges, not college/continued learning ages. I did some brainstorming with previous colleagues/classmates of my own and came up with an idea for teaching the heart. I want them to label it's complex components, all sections/valves/nodes/etc, incorporating the blood flow of oxygenated and deoxygenated as well. I'm actually going to have them label it all out on the clinical floor using labels and white board markers. Aside from that I am at a standstill. I just find that there really isn't much out there in the means of websites that might give me age appropriate ideas. Has anyone else come up against this? Have you faced the class, knowing the information yet stuck on how to physically integrate it? Where do you suggest I look for age appropriate (students range from 18-50 years of age) activities? Do YOU have any activities you like to do that you might think are helpful? And please, NO jeopardy! :)

I am new to teaching, so I am probably over doing my planning a bit, just to make sure I completely understand the lectured material. I try to be as interactive as possible.

ELL students have always been a challenge. I have gained new knowledge through this module on how to help the ELL student succeed. The concept of concrete examples were really helpful to me.

great input to know about types of test

I show that being in a dress shirt and dress pants doesn't make me any different then the students. That they can utilize their potential if they do the work and meet expectations.

i try to plan interactive activities to engage the students. students get bored easily, particularly new-age younger ones. and i find it's best to keep them on their toes mentally.

i have a less formal approach to teaching. i'm young, in my mid-20s and don't like to be super formal. the students and i have a mutual respect, so long as the work gets done.

Useful to know these ideas

Ways to improve instructor's skills

As an instructor, our job is to find the most effective way to deliver material to our students. Some students have different learning styles. I work in a technology based classroom, so most of my students are tactile learned- they learn by doing. Some are more visual, others auditory. The key to being successful is finding the best route to effective learning.

Showing expectations and goals are critical for demonstrating to students what their expectations are for the course. I've always felt it was important to show a bit about myself to help create a more comfortable learning atmosphere. I also look to have students interact with each other on the first night of class. It helps to build familiarity and teamwork for future projects in class.

I have found planning to be the lynchpin to any successful class. It's essential to have your entire course planned out to maximize student learning. Of course, some flexibility is warranted. If a topic comes up that requires further discussion, teachers should be flexible enough to spend additional time if needed.

During my lectures I encourage story telling regarding the content that we are covering and adding in truth if someone is misleading the medical facts. I also play games with the students and show relavant videos and pictures.

I do let the class know my expectations the first day, and I also ask for their expectations on this course. I introduce myself and my credentials and I give them an overview of the class ahead.

A wise instructor told me once, "you never really feel prepared for a class until you have taught it at least four times." I do feel that it is a true statement. I also tell the students that the syllabus for the class is an outline and we will get from point "A" to point "B" during this course.

my medical students say I am "crazy" in a classroom lecture but I like to think I am "unique". If I have to jump around the room, sing songs to get them to understand the material......then I do it.

Good materials to help me improve as an instructor

What are you looking for from the results of the students performing lab exercises? Which is more important? Results or the proper knowledge of the correct path to follow to get the desired results! As a Factory automotive instructor we want our students to become entry level tech when they complete the necessary training to become certified. Here we are trying to show that the path is just as important as guessing the final results based on previous labs. Entry level techs need to understand a path to find the results and with knowledge and experienchey will then be able to get the proper results no matter what.

A great way to evolve as an instructor is to review how you teach the class on a daily basis along with a thorough review of the course and the students at the end of the term.

When planning a lecture for the day it is imperative to read through the slides and either add or remove information. The most important factor of planning is to be prepared to deliver and engage with your class.