The suggestions contained in this module are excellent! I found I was constantly checking my email, which took a lot of time. So now I do try to narrow it down to twice a day - morning and evening. But is even that too much? How about weekends? Does anyone check their emails on weekends? I do, and I guess that contributes to the feeling I am "constantly working" ...

Even though I create a weekly "to do" list, and often accomplish the tasks on the list, I still feel like I am constantly working and I'm not managing my time efficiently. That feeling of working constantly also leads to stress and burnout. I also realize I am in the "immediacy" category, in that I feel I must do a given task right away, even if it isn't due right away. Does anyone else feel the way I do, and any suggestions? I'm thinking that I need to work more at prioritizing and not feeling that I have to do everything at once. Thank you. Lesley Sargoy

Obviously this will not work for every situation but here is one I learned from a very well known artist / musician: Put on some music and everyone dance a short repetitive step. If you see someone else doing a better move copy them. After a short while the entire group will be doing the same move. It's crazy but it works. Everyone has some fun, laughs and sees that working together as a group can happen in an organic nature.

In the first day of class I partner new students with senior students and I have everyone ask eachother questions like where they are from, what interested them in the course/school, what do they want to do when they are done, and something people don't know about them. After they have done that I have the pairs get up and present eachother to the class rather then having the students present themselves to the class. This breaks the ice and keeps all the students engaged and creating relationships from the begining.

One of the mistakes that I made when I was just starting out was trying to be funny before I had the student's respect. Then they just thought of me a comic relief and wouldn't take me seriously.

When I come across disruptive behavior, I will utilize some of the methods discussed in this course. I will share these with my fellow instructors that seem to struggle with students that seek to disrupt the class. Putting these into practice in a training session for instructors will benefit all.

I admit that I have a hard time dealing with angry students. I often match anger with anger and I know that's not good.

I try to ask CSS to be my assistant and help guide that day's class.

I always try to incorporate real world scenarios in my everyday lectures. However, I want to remain fresh on topics, so I volunteer or stage' a couple times a month.

When I make a mistake, I always try and make it a laughable moment.

Is the best way I have found to bring out the silent student.

I find that if I successfully deal with a challenging student, it fosters better opportunities to connect with all my students.

I have found that, while not the most exciting way to spend the first day, it helps students a lot and can help me avoid future issues.

The clinical setting is my classroom so I have to find resources to fit the setting. I'm fortunate because the staff on the floors are already aware of and using new technology so the students are not only made aware of these resources by me, but they get to see it being used first hand by the staff around them. I think it is important that we be aware of and utilize any new technology that can make our practice better and safer. Most of the students are already well versed in technology so it comes as no surprise to them that these resources are available. It just becomes an issue of introducing them to the resources that will be the most fitting for their peticular setting. For the most part, the technological direction society is moving is welcome territory so I meet very little resistance to these resources. Most find it fun.

How do you manage a student who continually wants to be treated differently because she has a special needs child?

How do you deal with students who constantly bring their issues to class without hurting their feelings?

In order to set the stage for student success would be demonstrated on the first day of class by the instructor. The instructor’s delivery of the class sets the mood of the class for the entire term. To achieve a positive first day experience for the students, the instructor provides pertinent information about the course. First the instructor would ensure to the students that by enrolling in the course it will benefit them in their field of work. The instructor should highlight key topics that will be covered in the class. Use power point slides as examples to illustrate the topics. Talk about possible field trips, and guest speaker. For instance our students will be going to the Mid-Winter Meeting next month. It is the Chicago Dental Society Dental Convention. I explained to the students that at the meeting we will be taking a course in the morning to learn about a topic in dentistry, that they would be able to apply in the dental office. They would also be meeting dentist and other professionals in the field that they can use for employment connections. Having and reading the class syllabus on the first day of class lets the students know what will be the objectives, class assignments and due dates, and how they will be grades. The syllabus explains the expectations, and rules. I like to have class assignment due dates written and given out on the first day. As a reminder I both verbally remind the students each week and write it on the board during class.

I find that setting the expectations at the beginning of the course detailing how I deal with late work helps. I also do my best to post grades promptly and enter "0" for items not turned in so they can immediately see their grades dropping from missed works. Usually this will get their attention enough to motivate them to turn in the additional assignments!

Professionalism is a characteristic that we carry with us throughout careers.

I believe that taking the time to empathize with students allows me to become a better instructor.