You must create a teaching style that is advantageous for your student's learning ability.You must try to reach all students on each of their levels of learning.

I agreed that it is important to see an instructor as a professional acting in a professional manner, therefore a role model

On the first day of class I presented myself to the class, by shaking everyone's hand and told them what type of experiance i had to teach the class and i wanted to know what was there education goals and how i was going to help them get them there.

Most learning institutions constantly strive to improve their methods, materials and instructor competencies. To do so, they must assess their current status in numerous categories, including grades, graduation rates and customer (student) satisfaction. I wholehearted agree that instructors and administrators require feedback to continue enhancing programs and curriculums. With regard to student assessment of instructors, it seems as though some instructors are so intent on pleasing their students that they tend to neglect their role as disciplinarian and gravitate to the pal role. Some seem to do so due to the fact that they want to be popular but for others, student satisfaction has an impact on their performance reviews and compensation. I am of the opinion that discipline and classroom control, balanced with competence and compassion, will, in most cases, elicit favorable student responses. In contrast, there are others who believe that they must be more lax and befriend their students in order to garner positive student survey responses. This may depend on the weight those responses are given by the specific institution in question. Any thoughts or opinions?

Through out my life, and trust me it's been a long life, I have met so many different cultures, life experiences and not to mention different languages..I took something from everyone and applied it to my life. If you told every student to describe an apple , you would have several discussions..over an apple ! But someone will learn something new no matter what the other person said. Even if one person does not like apples. He might end up trying one. Putting people together to discuss a part of a subject not only opens up their shyness but helps them retain a little more . Especially, test time !

I am curious as to the source of the statistics in this section. If this were a student presentation, I would ask for sources. Although research is ongoing, a number of ideas presented are contrary to research I have used, so I would be particularly interested to know the sources. Also, although I am white myself, I teach students from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, and I also have culturally diverse teaching colleagues. Every human image in this section has been of a white person.

it is always a challenge to teach a student that does not understand what you are atlking about or even what the words that were spoken mean. So i ahve over time tryed to find another student to mentor them as mush as possible, with taking care not to create a problem with the other students in the class, for they may think I as the instructor am letting them get away with talking during class. So there is a fine line that has to be followed and the students need to understand this.

I live in an area of the country where English is the second language for alot of students. I understand all about the "melting pot" we are and appreciate the fact we all want to be successful individuals. I have a hard time in accepting those who don't either want or can 't be bothered to learn English. We can and do make it attainable to receive an adult education, but first let's get them to speak the language well enough to have at least an even start point with the English-as-primary language student. Why offer pre-entrance placement tests in another language? Is it a total reformation of the country as a whole that needs to take place or just an educational one. Opinions welcomed and resolution anyone?

Do we allow tests to be read to students weithout the proper documentation upon verbal request? Do the federal Laws apply in the post-secondary schools?

keep your listening ears open during open discussions that will help other students get involved that typically do not.

I am intrigued by the forms of evaluations and find it interesting how they weave a thread through and with each other. I am finding that over the years of teaching, I have been using these evals and haven't even realized it! Now that I know the proper names and differences, I can more effectively prepare for class.

I use group activities A LOT. I find that the most learning is done while they are questioning each other, and they don't realize how much team building is being done. It is powerful, and continues to "gel" throughout the quarter. I love it!

This is a place where I sometimes get stuck for a bit; usually, not that long, but I recognize the need to "think on my feet." Sometimes I will introduce a new subject, but bring back the one I was lecturing on in a subtle way but try to create teachable moments. Sometimes, in fact a lot of the time, it does work, and works itself out. The students will reflect and connect the dots, and it's such an amazing feeling!

I just loved the example of teaching elementary students binary arithmetic only by asking them questions!! It reminded me of an article I read several months ago that indicated students in Japan excell in math - perhaps it is because math in Japan is taught in language, not by numbers. Perhaps the Socratic method- Japan style?

I'm not certain, but from all my years of experience in teaching, I believe the fact that I am left-handed, or right-brained, has been a plus in perceiving the different learning styles of students early in the term. It has been and continues to be the coolest part of my work. It allows me to think "on my feet" and modify my teaching style so I can stress the same points in different ways, and then ask for feedback. It is the most exciting part of teaching in my opinion!

I find that I have gotten into a rut in the environment I create for the students to learn. Even though they may not know or feel it, I have felt it. Taking this course has definitely challenged me to make certain I refocus (I like the term) each class session. Thank you very much!

This module has been an incredible tool for me. I have a student that has been struggling with the medical terminology as in pronouncing the terms. The class is A & P II. I have been using some of these techniques but, I can now use the given expamples to expand!

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.

I really rely on their facial expressions as I walk around the room explaining certain math formulas, etc..When it looks like someone maybe confused or might have a question and does not want to ask , I will call upon them in a non-threating way and make them part of my conversation and next thing you know I am having group discussions..!

Hi there Everyone, As I have been visiting the workshop, reading on the forums, I wanted to begin this which I hope will serve as a "springboard" of ideas for us to build upon the wonderful insights being shared. :-) Mike