I must confess that I have practiced lectures before. I have done it to both serve as an education tool for me but also so that I can time the material that I am presenting. This can help out make sure that I am not cramming too much in the last 10 minutes of class!

I really benefited from the suggestion of using the "constant talker" to be the observer. I think that this will be very helpful and have a few I will try tonight. It is hard to provide an environment that encourages success but at the same time keeps the constant talker from dominating the class

How do you initally engage students in the learning process when the instructor is younger than the students, or the student and instructor are around the same age group(i.e. late 20's)?

I think that professionalism can be very subjective in our society and those of us in the career colleges need to understand the culture that each student will be entering into before laying out blanket dress code or behavior etc.

I have a student that was very inattentive during every term but with devotion and attentiveness on my part to her, she has done great with continuing out of my class. She used to come back from breaks late by 10 min or more. She was never engaged in any class activities on her own free will. I took the time to get to know her a little bit without showing any favoring. She is very young and has many things going on in her life outside of school. We came to an understanding and worked together with her to make it fun for her. Now she comes back now and then to talk to me about school even though she isn't in my class anymore. Very rewarding. These strategies work.

Sometimes, an instructor gets personally challenged by a student within their classroom. They feel this student's anger and consequently, return the anger by getting involved in a challenge with each other. How do you manage these types of instructors?

When you have roles other than as an instructor, you classroom "time" management seems to suffer, as in my case. I often get pulled from my own classe to deal with program issue as that is my main role. My course evaluations often reflect this as I get pulled in many different directions. I know that to eliminate this problem is to not teach any classes but that is one of my enjoyments that I do not wish to give up. How can I better manage my class? How can I not get pulled away or run late due to a program issue?

What types of ice breakers work best to get students acclimated to beginning a new course and getting to know their peers/instructor?

One of the things that I include in my syllabus is a list of class policies. The policies include evrything from adhereing to the dress code to policies on missed exams and assignments. That way, students know what is expected. Also, in my course outline, I list every class date, and the activity that we will be doing on that date. This includes chapters covered, and exam dates. That way, students know exactly when the exam date is and what is being covered on the exam. This eliminates the excuse that they "did not know we were having an exam." Students knowing what is expected of them shifts the responsibility on them on not on the instructor. Ruth Armstrong

When grading task it is important to be consistent and fair. I find that the grading process is the more time consuming than preparing a lesson plan. I suppose it should be. I find that some student can provide more information in fewer words than others can. I am looking for a method that I can consistently use to ensure I am being fair in grading; especially with providing feedback to the student. I would appreciate any help and/or suggestions.

To be honest, procrastination has always been a big issue in my life. I can plan way ahead of time to find that he issue or event has arrived and I have not done what I said I would do. I can imagine that we all have experienced procrastination at some point or another. I often ask the question; why do we do this to ourselves? Do we really enjoy all this pressure and stress we put ourselves through? I’m thinking that many of us are thrill seekers; otherwise we would manage our time better. On a positive note; I always seem to get these done. I’m sure that if we all make better use of our time we would be more productive and improve on the quality of our outcomes in work or play. I am committing myself to becoming a better time manager; do I have anyone willing to take this pledge with me.

I once had a student that was so disruptive that I asked her to leave class. She refused and blamed me for "not being fair" I ended up calling security but I'm sure there was a better way. I welcome comments and suggestions

I have problems being consistant in the classroom at all times. Some of my students have to work and their work demands that they work overtime to keep their job while other students are in the classroom every day on time. I realize that the students who have to work must work yet is this fair to the other studetns?

cheating takes the respect and the trust from that clasroom and does not prepare you for the future in your responsibilities as a worker. We monitor and try to curve this area but offering space to spread students out and by giving Test A And B. JS

I am learning new and creative ways to teach everyday not only a school in a classroom but as a clinical worker in patient teaching and family education. JS

Have one currently but, she has made a committment with faculty and staff and she is doing well keeping it and will graduate. JS

it is helpful if it is complete. need to focus students on needed requirements. JS

For fun and exciting stress releif I found that something as simple as the Wii Fit is a good stress releiver

many people tend to take their work home with them in a mental way. It is best that when you enter your home that their is a seperation between work and personal life.

By telling the students how they will use the information they will learn in the class the student will have a purpose for learning the material. The student will know how this information will help them earn more money in order to give their families a better way of life. By giving purpose for learning the student will respond.