When students come in with attitudes, I address this right away by having a general discussion without pointing fingers. As instructors, we have developed a keen sense of hearing and can pretty much gauge the mood in the classroom. I start the discussion and offer up any suggestions of why the attitude and explain why they feel the way they feel. Usually the attitude stems from plain laziness or lack of understanding of the subject matter. For instance, a research paper is due and many students do not like writing papers so of course they will be disgruntled and complain. I explain that writing a research paper helps one think, analyze and communicate their knowledge of the topic and it shows their level of learning to the class. ~Louis

When I see a student struggling with attendance or having "life" challenges, I bring up the "80%" rule. Many have different variations of the "80%" rule. To me, success is 80% showing up - whether it is at work, classroom, etc. and the other 20% is a combination of hard work, attitude and luck. We all have bad days but by showing up, you say that you are not a quitter... by showing up, you are stating that you are ready to handle whatever challenges face you. I go into this during the first day of class as it will always apply to the student's life journey in the future. ~Louis

When class commences, it is the responsibility of the Chef Instructor to provide guidance via cooking demos or assignment examples so students have a point of reference to judge their work from. I like to show several examples for students as this gives them ideas and a distinct guideline to what my expectations are in the lab and academic classroom. ~Louis

I find this to be a time saver, along with on line disscussion groups to answer question.

I find that going through expectations and requirements, along with a handout, on the very first day of class is very helpful. It sets the tone on how you conduct your classes, students now know it is serious business. Also, it makes it clear to the students your standards and there will be no excuses.

This is a very important tool that can help calm the nerves of student's. This can also help answer questions before they ask them.

I like the idea of a group activity that promotes team work. Most classes have an array of students from various backgrounds. It is important that while they are in school, they learn the valuable lesson of working with others towards a common goal, regardless of the differences they may have between them. It is a key element for a successful career.

How have technology help in the aid of students cheating?

In any workroom or lab knowing the basics will help that student accomplish the goals and guidlines set upby the instuctor and or school...

"Many students are very sincere with their compliments and you can count yourself fortunate for having such genuine students who enjoy the field you are teaching and enjoy your instruction. This is what teaching is all about. Relish these students." This may be what teaching is about for the person who wrote this lesson but it is wrong to tell others why they should teach or what aspects of teaching they should enjoy. It is an opinion that should be removed from the course.

There is no real consequence for not turning in homework in my classes except that the student does not learn the material and may not perform well on the tests. These adults decide if they want to be responsible or not. However, to motivate them, do you think it would be a good idea to offer some type of bonus for turning in the complete work on time? Or is that just rewarding them for something they're supposed to be doing anyway?

I've usually used the tactic of listening to music and taking a short power walk in between classes or breaks. Helps to blow some steam off and clear my mind for a bit.

Being a career instructor has produced a great amount of stress because it always feel like there are things that need to be done. I try to not let it affect my job but it sometimes does. I've had to learn the value of time and not take it for granted because this is what seems to be the conductor of most of my stress.

A time saving habit that I've picked up has been to consolidate certain tasks for certain parts of the week. This has helped to create some balance in my work load so that I don't feel so overwhelmed at times.

Its taken me some time as an instructor to get of over the fear of not having enough time for lecture and demos. I've learned to manage my time better by lecture about certain things while the demo is happening so the students understand the subject matter. This has helped kill to birds with one stone when it comes to managing my time better.

Don't you feel we all make mistakes? A mistake I have made is assuming my laptop will function properly, and if not, having a backup plan on teaching the class. Technical issues with a projector will happen, but that doesn't mean the learning time for the students has ended. Carry preprinted notes or always have a backup drive available.

Seems like setting up seating assignments after the fact, help in quieting a class of talkative friends. But this isn't grammar school, and right off the bat some students will feel like you are treating them as such. If you have a noisy class or certain students disrupt the class, address it immediately and take charge. I find it weak having to say, "If you can't simmer down I will have to rearrange the seating." Take the noisy student outside in the hall and discuss the problem. Other students will know you mean business.

I've given up on allowing students to deliver assignments late. I find that letting the student slide doesn't keep them at all accountable. I reflect upon all the projects I've done in the industry, and my conclusion... mine weren't late, and respecting the client is number one.

I find that if from day one in class you have not maintained order, respect, and set the ground rules, then students will find a way to manipulate you up until the last day of class. You have to develop a "tight as a drum" method for having the students act and perform like professionals. It is hard for instructors and sharing your techniques would be helpful.

Recently I had a very angry student, student did not want to be in the same class with another student. Taking the student off-line and listening to their complaint at length and then discussing the issue with both separatly, did allow me to come to a reasonable solution that both students and the rest of the class could live with.