At our culinary school we do several buffets and each time we elect a classroom sous chef to oversee the entire demographics of project. I allow the class to elect the sous chef and then i allow them to discuss and allocate jobs to each of the team members. The sous chef also creates a production sheet and makes sure that his or her team is on track with their specific task. Once the buffet is open each team member tells the others what they made and the method of preparation. I then appraise them both good and bad on the errors and faults of the exercise. Afterwards we get to enjoy the fruits of our labor.

In my Law & Ethics class I have found great use in putting class into small groups to discuss various ethical issues and bioethical issues that they will face in todays medical environment. I found that they are more open with each other to discuss sometimes emotional topics. They are learning from each other and more importantly they are receiving different points of view - and finding out quickly that not all people will agree with them. So, introducing those opposing views prior to entering the workplace I feel like will be an advatage.

Teachers should be provided with additional training for students with Learning Disorders.

I find it difficult to incorporate creative ways of using different learning styles in accounting courses. The auditory learners do well with my lectures and the written word learners can read the text prior to attending class. Sometimes it is difficult to give a wide variety to the visual learners but I always demonstrate problem examples on the board. The tactile learners get to practice problems on their own in class to actually practice and work through what they are learning. Does anyone have other ideas to incorporate more variety for the learning styles?

Depending on the subject matter groups are not always the best method of Instruction. Ron I teach typing.

I have taught at a College, Academy and Technology school. I noticed that the majority of students do not read the materials before class. At a Technology school one students said that is your job. Am I the only one that has this problem? I once had a Dean tell me to give students a pop quiz and they will start reading the chapters, you should have seen my student reviews for that class. Ron

Online messaging systems are a great way to deliver a process for discussion and reflection on terms.

I teach office application courses and I can tell very quickly those students that are tactile learners compared to a auditory person. I make sure I lecture about each tutorial as well as demonstrate how the objectives are completed using the software. Of course, not all enjoy the lecture and will just continue doing hands-on.

What are some questioning techniques you have used that were successful in getting students to participate in class discussions? I tend to have some easily answerable questions for the students at first. Then I like to have them build off those questions. It is ahrder though in an online setting because you have one standard question and students tend to answer that question, but not dig any deeper. That is when I ask them a further clarification or further knowledge question based on their initial post.

What do you think are the most successful assessments?

Ask them, don't tell them.

I have been reviewing more in class lately and although it is a less active environment forme, my students seem to really beneifit from it.

I don't test well, is usually an excuse for I didn't study. If a student tells me they don�t test well, I advise them to come in for tutoring. If they don't want to come for tutoring, the question is answered. When they do come in for help, we sit down and try to figure out what I can do, what they can do, or if we need outside help to build skills.

Classes really do take on their own personality. It's amazing how one activity will work with one group of students and the next group just sits there. What I try to do in that situation, however, is to keep asking questions and, eventually, someone will start answering. It seems like a lot of the time it simply takes one student to get things rolling. Once the ice is broken, I find that other students will respond more

By understanding the different learning styles, we can adjust the delivery of information to touch on all aspects of learning. We all have our favorite learning style, however we all learn something from each of the styles, therefore we, as instructors, need to be careful not to focus on only one style and explain to our students that they do learn from all styles, not only their 'favorite'.

I primarily teach human resources. When giving an introduction course, or even the master level strategic human resource course, I also make sure to integrate different learning styles throughout the course materials. This is sometimes difficult with a topic such as HR, where it is hard to get some hands on work. I have found that short case studies, related to the current materials seem to be very effective. This, supplemented with reading, discussion and videos has proven to be quite well received by many students.

always be patient when teaching students that learing problems and don't crowd them, there are better results in the long run and the student feels better about themself.

I found that most students began listening to their ipods and other personal music players and were disengaging from the dialogue that makes studio collaboration so critical in their development. To remedy this I asked that they come to consensus to have music throughout the studio so they can still hear the comments made by myself and others. The students rotate the type of music through a lottery system they developed themselves, it has been most effective in restoring a collaborative atmosphere to the class.

Hi David - thanks for sharing a great example of application assessment. We do something similar in our IT Hardware course. Not only does it give us an idea of how well they have mastered the skills but it also is a confidence booster that will help our students when they encounter the real bugs! Susan

I have only been instructing for a short time, but in that time I have learned a multitude. First, and foremost no matter what the students situation, they want to learn. They are not just there even if there attitudes sometimes seem that way. Next, show your human. Easier for me to say given my youth. Although that is one thing i utilize to my advantage. Lastly, be who you are. A lot of times as educators we lose sight of who we are. We become what we do. Students see that and there retention drops. These are just a few things that help motivate learners.