Would love some feedback on how to turn around Gen Y students who are reactive in class. It's very difficult for my program of Massage Therapy because learning "soft skills" is as important as learning how to do a good massage if not more so.I have a few that have very low social skills and don't want to work with anyone different than there peers and that present obvious problems for my field especially when enrollment profiles are from 18 years old -over 50

Retention is always been a struggle for any school I have worked out. However, last year we implemented a call system that allowed the instructor(s) time to phone each student that missed class. That way the student feels vested with the instructor- versus-a registrar they may not know as well.

I teach computer classes, and some of the non-IT students are tremendous fear. In the applications class, I found that if I grade one assignment each day, not only can I give fast feedback, I can build student confidence. Near the end of the class period each day, I grade one assignment for all students by having them pull it up on their screen, and I go around the room, grading it. I tell each student whether they did a good job, or whether something is a little out of place, etc. I don't tell them their grade on the assignment. I immediately enter their grades into my gradebook and post them to a secure website where they can sign in and look at their scores. This seems to help a lot b/c they know what their grades are at all times, and they know whether they are doing their work correctly.

I have 5 or 6 four hour classes per week. All with different students. My students represent an interesting cross section of the world. I firmly believe that each of them is entitled to have me know their name and for me to be able to pronounce their name correctly. First as to names: I have not been able to get individual pictures and names prior to the 1st class. I have taken entire class photos but it may be a few week before I am aware of exactly who may be in my classes. I do ask each student how to pronounce their name. I write the pronunciation of their name phonetically on my roster. If I ever goof they let me know with good humored laughter and I always apologize and try to do better. Often an individual student may have only one or two classes with me. I rarely forget a personality but names are getting difficult. My students have been very tolerant and supportive. They all are aware that English is my second language and that I have no first language. Additionally that I speak several languages but for some reason no one understands me. Humor aside I want to do better. I am nearly seventy but won't age as an excuse. I have read the various forums regarding student names and have obtained some good information. This is so important to me that I am asking for any and all additional information anyone one is willing to share. Thank you.

what can I do to capture the full time working at night student?

sometimes to get the class focussed back to the classroom, I ask them how would they like for me to test on the material and ask them to write down questions they would have me use for the test

being a teacher takes daily monitoring of myself and asking myself why did i chose this field of teaching to begin with.

reinforce what the students learn by leading through example, talk about life experiences, let them add to that if the student has expeienced same things.

giving praise constantly with a big smile goes a long way

what are ideas to improve this? I give bonus points every class to those that are on time and ready to begin class.

it's hard to relate sometimes with my students. how can i get pass this easier?

have your students do a fun game like ask them to show you how by using another student to explain what they got out of the lectuer

make them help you teach if they have a good grasp on the lesson being taught.

make materials so everyone can learn and understand

One of the most frustrating things that I experiance as an instructor is the first day of class. Rarely do all of my students show up for the first day of class. What is the best way to deal with this on the second day of class when they do show up? Obviously they have no idea what is going on, but the rest of the class is ready to dive in and start learning.

If students are talking amoung themselves and you notice the topic slowly moving towards gripping about the school or program and then other students start listening in and adding to the whining, what is the best way to intervene? This is in a lab class where students are allowed to be social with one another as long as they are doing the tasks assigned to them. Also, during open lab time, when no formal class is going on and I am just sitting in to assist students.

I am going to start teaching a computer/paperwork class to students in which some may only be interested in mechanical subjects. I anticipate barriers to be up with this type of student. Anyone have have a similar experience or advice?

I have a number of students who participate very well in class and know the answers, but do very (fairly) poorly on tests. Most are 'older' students. Besides one-on-one time with them, how else can I help? Some even have study partners, unfortunately, neither partner is doing very well on tests. Fairly New Instructor Elise Davidson

Teachers are the mold or stencil that the students will look to for there own sense of what is proper or vulger. The way we act, dress, and talk has a heavy influence on the student.

All humans are students at there core. Our first job as teachers is to awaken parts the students brain. Our second job is to build a direct path to the learning center of the student. Our third job is to send information through the path that the student will retain.