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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.

dyslexia

I was met head on with an adult student that was having troubles in my Medical Terminology class. She suffered from dyslexia. When I inquired into what helped previously, she really could not recall. Initially we thought writing out flash cards but the hurdles still arose. Finally we came up with a plan, refrigerator magnet letters. It was the hand-eye control that really solidified the process. It was a fantastic idea. Wondering what other suggestions others have found helpful?

English as a 2nd language

I have a large population of latino students that have English as their 2nd language. As they are trying their very best at comprehending the use of the English language, I am not compiling a little more on top of that by having them learn medical terminology. Of course, this is THEIR choosing to return to school for Medical. I have suggested numerous options, however it is a difficult concept for me, as I speak and know English only. Aside from arranging tutors for these student, does anyone have any other suggestions to assist me and them?

groups

I have a group project for almost every class that I teach, yet I still manage to get those select few that complain. I use the example of workplace environment, in that "how would you resolve this then"? I have them reflect, maturely. Is it, would it be, acceptable to just complain without attempting to resolve any potential conflict in a mature and respectful manner? Any other ideas or examples I could use, would be greatly appreciate.

Floating

Although I appreciate the idea of floating to allow for additional observation of the student AND to allow the engagement, what is one to do when the class if FILLED and walking space is minimal? I find myself doing the pacing without it being intentional, but my space is limited. Maybe rearrange the seating?

Motivation

How does an instructor deal with students that are motivated, yet their grade expectations is unrealistic, due to lack of studying?

cell phones

Regardless of school policy,students continue to use cell phones in the classroom. They text during class-time. This is disruptive,disrespectful and annoying. Nothing seems to work, not even taking points off their final grade. They continue to defy the policy. Help!

Note taking

My students rarely take notes. I provide a study sheet before an exam? Should I stop doing this to encourage note taking?

Course Content

Again, this section advocates a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching. I use interactive PowerPoint lectures followed up by class work. Some of my powerpoints might be longer than 15-18 minutes, but they are interactive. This works for me and my classes. I teach English. This style might not work for teaching Psychology.

Meeting the class

This section was just plain stupid! There is no one-size-fits-all formula for doing anything in any class room. The order in which you hand out the syllabus and show the text book isnt important. Providing an atmosphere in which your students feel comfortable and know what is going on is the goal. Personally, I put the course goals/requirements on the syllabus.

ED 101 planning, etc.

This material was mostly rhetoric. Many schools, mine included, do not give the instructors the ability to choose their text books. A syllabus is a great thing to have--as is a course outline and such as that. I go over mine the first day of class, but I have never noticed any of those documents to make much difference in a student's behavior. Some come to class on time, and they would do that even if I did not tell them it is required. Others habitually come in late and break other rules--and the syllabus will never change that. Lesson plans are a must, but the best laid plans of mice and teachers gang aft a'gley.

Development section

This is very basic. I saw right away I could skip the course part and go right to the quiz. While I certainly do see a need for a teacher to continue to grow as a model and an instructor, they are not going to accomplish that via canned, one-size-fits-all modules. The best instruction for a teacher is being in the class room. Every class has it's challenges, and meeting those challenges is where a teacher grows and develops.

ED 101

Motivating students most likely increase thier participation. maybe by giving extra credit. Extra credit is a great motivator.

ED 101

preparing any material early prior to the class starting and this needs to be done on a daily basis. Then if having a lesson plan completed early as well makes for better class management and the students will recognize that the instructor is organized and would follow the example the instructor is giving to the students.

ED 101

It is very important to prepare for the subject before it is taught. This will prepare the instructor and have better time management.

ED 101

IT IS A VERY GOOD TOOL TO GET TO KNOW YOUR STUDEBTS LEARNING STYLE BY GIVING ASSESSMENTS ON THE SUBJECT AT THAT POINT THE INSTRUCTOR CAN ADAPT TO THE STUDENTS LEARNING STYLE. mAKING THE INSTRUCTOR MORE FLEXIBLE ON HOW TO CONVEY THE MATERIAL

ED101

I am The type of instructor that needs to make new lesson plans the start of each module .

Developing tests

Is it better to utilize a variety of different test alternatives for a class?

Classroom Setup

I teach at a design school where pc and mac are utilized. It is necessary to get to class early and make sure the projector, audio and computer are functioning prior to class start. Even if everything was working properly the week before, it does not mean it will be working the following. I always get to class early to make sure everything is functioning and call IT if necessary.

minute paper

I really like the having the students write down the questions they did not understands.Some students feel funny asking a question(orally).

People Skills

I agree that professional appearance is important these days, because of the new business models of open service areas. I also believe that you cannot under estimate the value of people skills. It used to be that there were customer service people who dealt with the public, and the techs stayed in the back and did the technical work. These days, with companies trying to run leaner payrolls, people are more apt to have to multitask at their job. Dealing with the customers, explaining problems, and repair strategies is more common in today’s world of the “smart consumer”. Without the ability to identify and deal with the various types of customer personalities a person can lose control of the situation, and quite possible lose business for the company. With a minor understanding of self control, patience, and listening skills a person can walk away from a difficult situation with an acceptable solution for both sides. These are rarely naturally occurring skills they must be taught and practiced to be effective. I think a tech with a dirty, un-tucked shirt is by far less off-putting then a tech that cannot be pleasant and understanding to a difficult customers’ needs. Scott Hathaway CNT Instructor PCI Woburn