I've found that a good way to get my students to engage in the class is to keep them guessing what I'll do next. Sometimes I'll walk up and down the rows or call on a student seemingly at random. I may assign a surprise in-class project, tell a story or a joke, or act out a scenario. The most common technique I use is the discussion model; rather than lecture I start a discussion to get the class involved. This method does make it difficult to stay on subject at times, but I've found that the student involvement that discussions generate more than makes up for this.

One class that is very unpopular to teach is Operating System Concepts. Its a very dry subject that can be difficult to get students to engage in. So how did I get the students to engage in the class topics? I taught the majority of the class not as a laundry-list of facts, but as a series of stories; the story of why the first digital computer was made is an exciting one if told properly and given some context. After teaching Operating Systems several times I eventually turned most of the classwork into stories or interactive group discussions, and these classes have had some of my best student participation.

I've used some fairly unconventional methods for gaining the buy-in of my students, such as giving every student a different puppet and addressing them though their puppet persona's. That might sound like a juvenile technique, but I've gotten very good class participation in my college courses this way. Many of my students identified with their puppets and I used them as a reward for good participation. In several programming classes I had two puppets: Bananas the 'code monkey' that was a reward for correct answers, and Popo the pig of shame who was given to students with incorrect answers or low participation. You might think this would not work with college students, but I found that by week three my students worked hard to get the code monkey and to avoid the shame of Popo the pig. Plus it was kind of fun, and that always goes over well in any class.

What are some examples of effective motivation techniques that career college instructors can use in their classes? An instructor can ask students to share a life experience they have and how it relates to the course topic. For Intro to Business, I coach my students on writing a research paper that appeals to their interests and business. The topics are all across the board, but the students seem to really enjoy the fact that they can write something that appeals to their lives. Motivation techniques are beneficial when the student feels appreciated and heard. I make sure to personally greet every student so that they feel that they can come to me at any time during their course duration. I think by knowing I am available to them it motivates them to work ahead so they can ask questions.

Learning a Student name I think can creat a very positive relationship with the Student. Two methods I have found helpful for me is making a seating chart with there names and whare they are from. where they are from help me recall their name.

Why do instructors need to occasionally take time and "REFOCUS" themselves in order to be more effective with their students? Instructors need to take time to REFOCUS in order to make sure they are still teaching for the right reasons. by refocusing, they are able to make sure the information they are sharing is relevant and up to date. Students want information they can use right away. By refocusing, instructors are able to supply current information that can be used in their students every day life.

How can instructors become aware of effective retention strategies for use in their classes? Instructors can talk to seasoned instructors on what works in their classroom. For online instructors, sending a personalized greeting to each and every student has been a proven element in keeping retention numbers high. Instructors can also research new and different strategies based on adult learning theories.

I often times find myself eager to get through the material because of time constraints. Not thinking about how the students are taking it all in. This section will help me change things up a bit and has given me some new ideas, and I will have to revisit some of my old tactics.

I think retention begins with the first day of class. Just letting them know what the days are going to be filled with, some of the things they will learn, keeps them coming back day after day.

I think this topic will help me in the future with my classroom skills. Before I started working here, I had the mind set of, conform or get out, I guess that's not the PC way.

I have had some great times when I was well-rested and focused on the students but I have also had times when I was teaching too many hours and going to clinical sites and having a hard time of just getting enough sleep. My work at home was grading papers and my family / social life was next to nothing. Focusing on students happens best when I am well-paced at work and not overloaded with tasks.

I believe that it reinforces the students choice of career study.

Tell me about proven ways to keep students excited about the material and the learning proccess.

What gaming techniques are available to keep students focused on their studies.

What are the alternatives to firing uncoperative/disruptive employees.

It was a bit daunting to be the older student in class... As an instructor, I find that just treating all students with respect and treating them all as adults assists in overcoming issues taht circle the age differences.

I have been a student for many years, both in undergraduate and graduate schools. Some professors didn't show much enthusiasm and it showed in how my fellow students followed the classes. Some would be on the Internet, while others would do other work. Having more enthusiasm about subjects keeps students glued in to lectures and discussions. It's also important to not lecture continuously (over 20 minutes) as it tends to cause students to lose focus and cause minds to wander. Plans should be setup to offer a wide variety of teaching methods such as class projects and discussions to freshen up learning methods.

I have had some issues with maintaining focus in classes where lessons did not flow the way I wanted them to. Often times, it called for making changes "on the fly." I always have some backup plans set aside when classes don't go the way I want them to. I may have a game, a class discussion, a documentary, or a contest for the students to participate in. This allows me to refocus my thoughts and feed off of whatever comes from these backup plans.

I agree that maintaining a strong human factor with students is a key to a positive learning environment. I learn all students names on the first day, welcome each of them, and play off of their strengths. As a result, classes seem more positive and cheerful and I have little issues with students not participating in class activities.

I have noticed an increase in older students in my classes. I tend to find that most are looking for a career change due to some setback such as layoffs or a needed change in their original career if it's not working out for them or they want more job satisfaction.