How far should we go to keep our students focused?

How do we engourage our students when they fail a test and feel like they can't succeed?

what impact do we really have on our students character.

In my experience, I would agree that a smaller class size benefits the students immensely. I have an excellent combination of younger and older students, and they are able to work together to the great benefit of each other. I have noticed that the younger students normally pair with an older student, and I have even sent them to complete homework and extra credit assignments together, if at all possible. It seems as if the older students somewhat mentor the younger students that are in my class, and are able to offer them life experiences beyond the textbook material.

Discussing objectives clearly defines making good use of classroom time. Students know what to expect.

I sometimes bring in candy and throw it at a student to motivate them. Although this can be used for most children, you will be suprised on just how much adults enjoy it.

This module was very applicable to how I conduct my classes. I have been an instructor for 3 quarters now, and I have made a point to greet each student daily and take a few minutes at the beginning of class to hear what has been going on since our last class session in their lives. We have a very one-on-one relationship, and I have seen that this contributes to their feedback and willingness to participate in my class. Most of these students started with me during their first quarter and would not volunteer information unless I specifically called on them. Through personalization and encouragement, each student now participates frequently in class without my having to call on any one specific student. Terrific module!

Keeping the students in an active learning environment in small groups assists the instructor with becoming involved. This also challenges learners.

I generally have small classes where it's easy to get to know the students fairly well. I can generally tell when a student is having issues with something and address it before it escalates. I am expecting to have a larger class next semester, however, and I'm wondering how I manage to maintain that same intuitive type of relationship with the students in a larger class environment.

There's a warm fuzzy feeling a student gets when they know their instructor is committed to helping them succeed.

Make the student excited about coming to class everyday.

Motivation is being a student's personal cheerleader and coach all rolled into one.

I tend to bring the students into my world of understanding by bringing up real world instances where I ran into obsticles and overcame them, or not. I learned one way or another and let my students know they will have simiar issues in class, in relationships, in life overall. Bringing this blanket of understanding to the beginning of class, letting them know it is going to happen and I understand, helps the student to know I am there for them, I have real world expereiences they can learn from and begins to build the relationship.

I really like the video from Harvard Business school wherein the instructor talks about 4 aspects of great instructors. In particular, he talks about 'knowing your students'. That's VERY important. You must teach STUDENTS, not MATERIAL. I also like the fact that he says "don't humiliate your students."

Are there any good stratagies for dealing with very small class sizes? I genrally have 5 or less students. Sometimes I feel it puts a lot of pressure on the students. I haven't had too many problems keeping them motivated so far, but if there were any good motivational statagies specifially for smaller class sizes I'm all ears :)

I like the fact that the lesson teaches us to 're-focus" our efforts if we get the sense that our instruction is not accomplishing the objectives of the course. I also like the fact that various learning styles are addressed. It's mandatory to address the learning style of each & every student in any given course.

Providing a concern or excitement goes a long way with students. They are glad that you care and trully understand their concerns in the class or their personal lives. Students want to feel a part of the class and not disengaged by the instructor.

What are some creative ideas/games that instructors could use to enhance the school setting for students with diverse backgrounds?

It is very important to keep our students motivated and encouraged. Our non-traditional student face so many obstacles, that sometime when they enter there educational setting they are already frustated and upset. We must gain our rapport back with them and try to establish a positive, encouraging educational setting. We are not therapist, we should not be giving advice we should get control of our educational setting and focus on the daily lesson.

I think that it is important as an instructor that when we get tired and burned out that we must refocus. we have to get excited about what we are teaching and refocus our momentum to gain control of our class. When msut keep the moral and excitement up in our classrooms. When our students see us lose focus and drive about what we are teaching it really affects them. So therefore we must stay motivated, positive and encouraging.