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Ask a question from your peers to help you in your professional work. Seek different points of view on a topic that interests you. Start a thought-provoking conversation about a hot, current topic. Encourage your peers to join you in the discussion, and feel free to facilitate the discussion. As a community of educators, all members of the Career Ed Lounge are empowered to act as a discussion facilitator to help us all learn from each other.

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It is clear that the behavior and attitude of the istructor will influence student learning. It is also clear that in an accelerated program there is little time to spend on backpaddling if these things get in the way of learning. This means that to have self awareness prior to teaching is beneficial for a successful learning session.

Determining the test format

to determin the test i would use on my students, i would have to watch how well they learn. if theyseem as if they are not fast learners than i wouldn't give a multiple choice test. i would review before test and every now and then give them a answer the blank test to make them think and they would just know things by momery but they would have knowledge of it.

multiple choice testing

i think that multiple choice testing is good for a teacher with alot of students but it also is not good for the students because they want keep information they learned in thier mind they will just know things by recalling what they see.

using alternative assesments

using hands on techniques allow me as an istructor to teach things clearly in a way that my students can understand it.

Using alternative assesments

using hands on techniques help me to give my students an clear understanding of how to to certain procedures.

Mentoring new instructors

As a nurse, we are introduced to the idea of mentors from the very beginning. We many not necessarily want to be mentored by the person assigned to us, but it gives us a starting point. As an instructor, I feel this would be a good option as well. Having someone to seek for guidance would be great.

used to assess the students skill

what tool can be used to assess a students skills and where they need continuing help?

Getting students to be more involved in class participation

How do you get you students involved?

new strategies for active learning

Most of the classes I teach have a hands on component. Most of the time is active learning in Film and television classes and since the majority are adult students I try to keep lecturing in front of a class to a minimum so I do not get the bobbing heads. (sleeping student) Shana Lawton Adjunct Faculty

How to keep students interested and motivated

Too often I've sat through boring lecture presentations. I believe that the teacher must find creative ways to present their information. Be really different and almost shocking without going overboard. If you're a history teacher, you may want to dress up in the time period you are discussing. Make up songs to bring your points across. I knew one kindergarten teacher that would have the class prepare a musical play for the entire term and preform it for the parents. They were enacting out the Civil War. Use props and be creative and most importantly, show your passion for what you do.

The Alternative Adult

I am a teacher in an alternative school wherein lots of my Biology students are technically adults. This is why I was drawn to this course. At the same time, I am an instructor of adults at a local career college. My highschoolers and certificate seekers have a lot in common. Many are of age, but have not developed the learning skills that would be expected of them at their particular stages of life. I have found that keeping the learning environment active gives them ownership of their educations. They are required to make frequent, small impromptu presentations. They are given materials to manipulate, writing assignments, and illustrations to do. These things challenge them and make the information really stick. They become the teacher in smatterings. I absolutely love having an active learning environment. I really had no idea that what I was doing was any different until a gentleman from the Pearson company sat in on one of my classes and was blown away by the activities and management I was employing. I am actually a trained lab scientist turned chiropractor who is a teacher at heart. Lots of the technical jargon is lost on me. I learn my audience and play to my audience. If they are bored, so am I. Activities brighten up any learning day and I am very excited to use what I have learned here to sharpen my activating skills.

The Fine Line Between Lecture and Lab?

Hello, I often find myself teaching computer related classes that are designed to teach students basic computer skills (email, Microsoft Office, etc...). One of the areas I often struggle with is how much time should I lecture compared to how much time should I have them doing 'hands on' activities. I remember when I was a student that I was quicker to learn by pushing buttons and messing something up over having an instructor lecture for lengthy periods. In a 4 hour class, what Is a good way to balance lecture time with lab time? Thank you.

Down time in class

I teach a laboratory class, and for at least part of every class, I am involved in an activity in one part of the lab and cannot leave, sometimes for as long as two hours. During this period, I always have part of the class participating in the activity, but the nature of the activity prevents me from allowing everyone to participate equally. Any tips on how to keep the rest of the class busy? I can give them things to do, read, study, etc. but I guess in the end it comes down to me motivating them to be productive during this down time.

Disruptive students

Disruptive behavior disrupts my class. Should I ask them to not to sit together? These are adults (supposingly) There are people who are serious about their education.

Being a friend

I really agree with the statement that we can be a friend to our students but we should not become pals. I was tought this by my previous college instructor.

Learning Disability. (What is the most complex?)

Out of all the Disabilities that are out there, can you ellaborate on what you believe is the most complex our difficult to understand?

Engaging students

To engage the students I ask them specific questions related to something they shared with the class such as there current job, and ask them for specific examples. This motivate other students to share their job related issues. This creates an active discussion related to the subject matter.

Student Awareness of Their Own Learning Styles

I am convinced that there are many students who are not even aware of the concept of learning styles - let alone which style works best for them. With every class, I usually have at least one or two students who are putting a great deal of time and effort into their studies at home and yet continue to struggle to try learn and retain material. Putting aside other factors (like learning disabilities, test anxiety, etc.), when I sit down with these students individually and ask them about their learning style(s), I have yet to find a student who could tell me how he/she learns best. What generally happens is that if I educate these students a little bit about learning styles; help them to determine what their preferred style is; and then have them try changing their study techniques to incorporate that style... learning and retention usually improves significantly. I was just wondering if others have encountered the same?

Classroom Groups

I am teaching the anatomy, blood flow and conduction of the heart and most of my students could understand it...but there were a few who just could not understand the information. After I tried several different ways of explaining the topic, I had the students get in two groups. I laid 2 long pieces of paper (about 15 feet long)on 2 tables and had each student illustrate they way they understood the information. It was amazing to see how each student came up with a different way to show their understanding of the material! I had the students that were having difficulties with the infomation walk around and pair up with a student who's illustration they could relate to. The students ended up learning from eachother and it was GREAT!

Test

What is the best combination of test type question?