Melissa Harris-Lacewell from Princeton University was the keynote speaker at the 2009 OPID Spring Conference in Milwaukee. She stated,"If we want to capture our students' attention, we have to be more engaging than email or porn." Your thoughts???

There are a lot of ways of handling late homework submissions, of which I've only tried a few. The general policy I've settled on is something like the following. Homework must be submitted at the beginning of class on the day it's due. Late homework is not accepted. This is pretty harsh, I think. But with this policy in place, I make unofficial exceptions on a case-by-case basis (it's easier to start with an overly harsh policy and make exceptions in the students' favour than the other way around), for example, if a student happens to be late to class on a day that homework is due. I want students to be motivated to hand in their work on time. Highly motivated. That's why I make the official policy so strict. But I feel bad about actually adhering to such draconian measures (they should get zero for missing the bus?), which is why I make exceptions. But overall, I'm dissatisfied with the ad hoc nature of this approach. How can I motivate students to submit homework by the deadline without being "overly harsh"?

I think the more cluttered your office becomes, the more you become unorganized and insecure about fulfilling your task for the day or week. I have lots of clutter on my desk and it is not because I want it that way, but it is because I really do not have the time during the day to regroup and reflect on my task at hand, so it just becomes another piece of paper on my desk.

If an Instructor's personality lends itself to a certain style of teaching, how can the instructor resist the temptation to slip back into using that style even if it's less productive.

I found the comparison of having assignment deadlines to reenforce the concept of deadlines at work to be helpful. It is a good comparison to give students, especially in a trade school.

I have to say this probably has been of the best lessons I have taken. I am so excited to start our next term. I think sometimes we all take for granted our teaching styles. This really woke me up

How to keep all students interested in the topic.

When a student is caught cheating whether they admit to it or deny it should they be given a second chance?

No matter how much of rush we as instructors may be we have to be sure to find time to communicate with our students so that they won't feel neglected nor that we ruin their excitement of the program.

I have found that letting each individual student know on day one of what is expected from them will minimize problems later within a course. If they know your homework policy, test policy, attendance policy up front you usually will not have a problem. Although I know there will be the occasional reminding needed done for the most part when you make it clear from the beginning what you expect of them and what they will be learning, usually everything works out perfectly. I think when a student does not know the expectations from course to course then that is when trouble will arise. That is why each new student I gain receives the Classroom Etiquette paper work and I highlight key points and what is expected from day one. Once they receive their uniforms and I.D. badges they are expected to wear them each time we meet. Most students have jobs already so they are aware of the importance of following the attire protocol. I also highlight attendance which is a huge non-compliance issue for many students, but I also give every student my contact information and receive theirs on the first day of class, so they know that the communication will be equal from both parties. Now how should I go about handling a student who feels they do not have to reach out to me if they will not be in class, since I mention how much communication will play a huge role while they are taking the course?

When i have a new group of students, who are just getting to their electives, i like to refresh their knowledge of the class rule and procedures. i find this helps with some confusion that some students have.

Guides and controllers are the two learning styles to me are the most effective. I prefer to be the "guide by the side" than a "sage on the stage. the buddy learning style could possibly be effective determined by the audience. what do you think?

Should your place of employment dictate what you should wear?

How can text messenging be decrease in class.

What measures can be initiated in the classroom to enhance the learning process.

I currently have a student who is noticeably low on self esteem and confidence. She does the joky random comments during class to cover her lack of confidence. Lately, other students have come to me stating that she is talking about others and disparaging others outside of class in an attempt to be the "in crowd". I have not witnessed this, but am trying to figure out how to address the "bullying" issue, because it is affecting other students now.

How to provide positive reinforcement prior to test taking.

I find it a difficult balance between maintaining control of my class and wanting to maintain control of my class. Let me clarify. On the days that I get frustrated with my loud mouthed student and I am on a constant lookout to steal back the conversation I get really frustrated and it changes the whole feel to my class. On the other hand, when I listen and engage with the loud mouth student I find it much more organic for me to sway the conversation and pass it off to another student or use it to ask the whole class their thoughts on the matter. I find that this technique keeps me feeling in control instead of striving for control and I stay more calm and I find my teaching becomes more meaningful because I am learning about the issues that matter to my students.

To keep students from leaving and to cure the late arrival a good point is to have some quiz exercise in class leave some points in grade book for this

The coping mechanisms were really helpful.