I am having problems with dealing with students of the current generation. I am an older generation instructor but teach students of the current generation and have difficulty understanding where there minds actually are and this affects my ability to motivate them properly. I have a diverse group of individuals but find some hard to get through to. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I come into contact with a very diverse student body and sometimes the gap in ages seems to be a stumbling block to unity in class discussions. How can the content of discussion be narrowed to include different age groups?

Most of the students in school at this time should have some motivation as we speak. But tyhere are always the individuals that are beyoind motivation.

When there is a class of 20 plus students, it's very difficult to keep focused on all.

retetion is an article that us as instructors really have not much control over due to individuals being raised by thier parents.

My biggest dilemma seems to be making a smooth transition with the technology used in the classroom and the age gaps in students. The younger students often feel that I am slowing them down and the older students are oftern terrified of the technology. Would you recommend maybe identifying some of the younger students to mentor others with assignments given on the computer or do you think the older students would feel they are being insulted?

This module was of great value to me, I am new to teaching but have over 25 years experience in the field.With practice these tactics will enable me to use what I have learned in the most effective manner.

Sometimes I find it very hardto convince a student to stay in school when there is no employment in the area to support him or their family.

how many of us admit that we have made mistakes and use this human side to make a point and that if we learn from our mistakes that the knowledge gained will far out way the embarassment of it in the first place

Motivating students as well as myself can most challenging from time to time. However what I have learned to do is reflect on the positive of class growth kwonlegde wise & my growth as an instructor, and refocus from there to achieve the goals .

Understanding and recognizing characteristics of students is essential for sucessful learning in my opinion.

Announce the topic in an informal manor, then illustrate the need for the knowledge, or the "why". Then begin to clearly explain the topic and answer the questions that students begin to have. "Buy in" and the desire to learn dramatically increase if the student knows where the topic is going and how it applies or will apply to them.

I like to tell real life stories about things that have happend that pertain to class to motovate students.

Students have a hard time remembering every thing they have been taught, however i have found that by seating down with them and going over the information with them it comes back to them.

Students are frustrated in many ways outside pressures, their inabilities, physical abilities, their knowledge limits, time constraints.

I feel the most important point of motivating an adult learner is to show them how they benefit by learning the subject material and how it is useful and practicial for their job and/or career. If you don't get that "buy in" it's hard to keep their interest. They feel like it's a waste of time.

I feel one of the most important thing you can do to build rapport with the students is to show them that you do not know it all and make mistakes. Being a technical Instructor I some times but out wrong information. When I do, I'll get the whole class together for a "Pow Wow". This gives me the opportinity to correct my mistake and shows them my human side as well. One other note from past experince. If you are sitting in another Instructor's class and he/she makes a mistake get with them on a break and talk about it. That way after break they can make the correction with the class themselves. Never try to correct he/she in front of the class. Doing so causes them to lose creditability.

I've found as an Instructor that learning the students names is very important for retention. It makes involving the students in lectures much more effect and well as other benefits. The trick is finding a way that works for you. Some ways include: Making a seating chart with the students names at each postion, when taking roll look at each student as you say their names, make a game with the students and tell them to not tell you their name until you tried from memory. There are many other ways to do this but you need to find a way that works for you.

Hi Gary, I belive I may have a unique situation. I instruct a class that only lasts for 15 days maximum. I find it difficult to not only understand there fears but even remember all the names. I am hopeing some one can offer some advice I can use.

I have been in my profession for 21 years. I have had my share of all kinds of people to deal with. I feel that everyone needs support in what they want to acheive. With being a instructor, there is alot of different elements to deal with. This first module helped me to understand how to get to know your students and their needs, and the challenges that are going to go with it.