Setting the learing environment is crucial to the general direction of the class. Establishing the atmosphere will grant you the over all control of the class, not only on the first day but for the rest of the class term. This includes rules, the student/teacher relationship, and the overall effectiveness of the learning environment.

How do you help students whose writing skills have been diminished because of using texting symbols in their papers and written responses to exams?

How should student's performance be graded in a in a group project?

Does anyone have any good ice breakers for first class room meetings?

I have a student in class that I really do enjoy talking to, but I have trouble keeping him on task. As soon as he gets to challenging question in our lab work, he starts making jokes and talks about how there's no way he will ever be able to do the work. I've tried playing along, ignoring the behavior and I had a one-on-one frank discussion with him about his actions. His joking interferes with his ability to receive redirection and new information. He agreed that he uses humor as a defense mechanism and he admitted the he didn't think it was helpful. After our conversation he went right back to his old behavior! He really is talented and capable...any suggestions about how I can help him stop hiding behind his humor?

I always ask the class on the first day if anyone has any special needs.

Hi everyone, The importance of being a good instructor is to present yourself as a person first,never try to proof you are smarter than them is not the way to go this days remember there are students that like to challenge instructors all the time therefore it is better to convence the students that you care for them and the subject you are teaching. LISA SAMANIEGO

to decrease any jitters I like to sing on my way to work or mimic what the news radio is saying. This is a great way to exercise the mouth. Remember what Socrates did with putting stones in his mouth.

I really like the idea to video my lecture, as I feel I can learn a lot from this. But does someone know if there are legal issues I need to be concerned with?

We have a pre test that i use to determine the students work groups.

Start with some organization on your part. it is hard to start out with no course objectives and no planning. I started and IV course with a book handed to me with no details just some highlighted areas and old tests not on computer to access or update. It was tough but, now after 6 classes it is easier and I am way more organized. JS, RN,BSN

have really helped my students to focus on the subjects we will be covering and the lab skills we will accomplish in a term. It has really assisted them in knowing where to go for information and carefully take apart this information for testing purposes. JS RN, BSN

I am an RN and I not only teach but still work 4 to 6 shifts or more a 6 week time period in an ER where I do all the skills needed as an Emergency Room nurse it keeps me current and keeps me up to date with new medical techiniques and care provided to different groups of patients so I can better instruct my LPN students. JS RN, BSN

I beleive eye contact is important,it shows you have a sincere desire to help them learn.

I always search for different ways to deliver course content within a class. I think variety keeps my students active and attentive to subject matter. I like to include an activity that allows students to interact with each other based on the discussion in class.

This subject is very important to me because if you can keep your student interested and motivated in the area learning, they will become more interested and do more participation in the associations and organizations for the nation and the state for their knowledge of their own subject and more.

How should you recover for a difficult first class meeting? For example, one of my frist class meetings, my required text was unavailable and I was not sure when they would arrive for students to purchase. I had only one week to prepare for the class and didn't have login information to use technical equipment like screens and projectors for presenations as well as other problems. I made the best of it, but I felt that my first impression suffered somewhat with my students.

As a new instructor, I often find it challenging to vary methods of instruction within the class. I constantly look for ways to introduce more interaction in the classroom. I'd love to hear some of the ideas other instructors have to increase class particpation and involvement.

As instructors, we are not allowed to discuss special accomodations with our students, we have to refer them to the Dean of Students. Once documented with the DOS we can provide the necessary accomodations, but until that time we aren't able to talk about it with them.

how about a verbal or spoken test