The human factor is critical to Education as a whole, not just retention. Students to feel valued and sense of purpose. If we create an environment that treats them as individuals with respect and concern, retention will be a positive side effect.

After teaching the same course quarter in and quarter out it is very easy to get too comfortable and become complacent. even the jokes have become stale. :0) It is important to continually ask yourself why you teach a concept or skill a certain way and regularly look for a better or different way to achieve the same result. Even though you've taught the course many times, you should prepare as though it's the first time.

My goal in preparation for lessons is to hit as many different learning styles as possible within that lesson. So I will write notes/outline on the board prior to class (visual), then discuss the notes (auditory), show a supporting video (visual/verbal), then create a group activity (interpersonal/physical), then an individual assessment (solitary/intrapersonal). If each lesson encomapsses multiple styles there is a good chance a majority or students will retain some element of the Lesson.

I have several students that really just want to know the answers vs understanding and learning the "why" behind the "what". Particularly before a test. What I teach has day to day applicability to the career path they have chosen. What is a good way to emphasize this point?

Most of the time it's the aniexty that is worse than the act itself of failing, like taking these quizzes and feeling really small, because the question was worded tricky or subjective.

When treating our students as customers, what tips could you give on actively listening?

I alternate lectures between another instuctor. I would like to start lectures with asking about questions to the prior lecture or at least a brief overview, how should I review the information without stepping on the other instructors toes?

Students must be motivated to be in class (intrinsicly). Though the classroom environment is crutial, I am a firm believer that you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. Your students have to want to come to class...that is where strong instructors are so important. Not just for the material they teach, but the soft-skills and encouragement as well.

There is a question in the first quiz that asks specifically, the desire to get employment, is it an intrinsic or extrinsic motivator or both. Even though the answer is extrinsic in that the job is an extrinsic goal, and not an internal motivator for the person, the question specifically asks about the wanting or the desire of a job and not the job itself. That wanting is an intrinsic motivator, where the job itself is a whole other subject. Extrinsic being that doing the job is the extrinsic motivator for the person, showing off their skills and getting recognition. Interviewing, preparing, or looking for the job is motivated by the intrinsic nature of the person, and wanting to get the job, I believe, is the actual question being asked.

Just a statement is going to be added. When I teach a general physical exam to a medical assistant, I use the students life experiences to crystallize the event into memory!

Our students need the kind of reinforcement that supports their learning, so we should always strive to return any submitted work by the next class meeting.

A wide variety of nmeumonics can be used, but the best ones are often the ones you let the students come up with (if you can avoid the overly racy ones!).

Rather than use notecards, I am working on a simple webapp where students can submit one-off questions and mini-assessments.

Enthusiasm is extremely infectious. Even on a Monday morning. Coffee helps. I recommend dangerous levels of caffeine!

I have found that a few early encouragements for the older students really go a long way with ego boosting. The earlier it happens the better! Nip the feelings of inadequacy in the bud.

Which of these motivators, intrinsic and extrinsic, is most effective in a student's success in the classroom?

What extrinsic rewards do you use and which ones do you find the most effective?

Our students really are our customers.They are paying for the knowledge we supply. As customers they need to actively take advantage of the information offered. As Instructors, we need to treat them with respect and help them individually to make sure every student gets the information they are paying for. As customers, they are expected to follow school rules and realize grading criteria and proficiency are the same for everyone.

I have been wrestling with the definition of an "adult learner" for quite some time. Our students seem to be more like immature learners. The students are the customer, and they deserve the best, quality education we can give them.

One thing that works well in my class is the implementation of games. Adults, just like children, learn when they're having fun. I use all kinds of activities to keep their interest. It enables them to put the theory or concept into application...plus they enjoy it and remember the lesson. I also use movie clips that illustrate what I'm teaching. It keeps their attention, we all laugh, and it opens the door for discussion.