....and they will come.

I recently had a student in one of my classes who was so uninterested and seemingly disinterested in the course. I was shocked! I did not blame her I blamed myself. So, I tried different activities, put the class in small groups, and even managed to incorporate some relevant jokes. I strived to get the attention of this ONE student (as well as the others) but it was very difficult. I purposely reconfigured things in class, but to no avail did it excite or intice her. The student never spoke in class, and when I called on her, she never had an answer or response. I figured atleast I would be able to engage her for the final presentation when she was to present her project to the class. But she didn't even show up! Even now I look for that type of student in my current classes and try to find ways to deal with that level of non-interest. I found it sad.

We've decided to put up sheets in our classrooms that identify problems with the equipment. This really helps but students still complain about the temperature in the room. Unfortunately we don't have a thermostat and the multicomputers heat up the room terribly. Some days it's perfect and others it's uncomfortable. Are there any suggestions on how to make the classroom equipment more manageable; especially for items that can not be controlled?

Many of my students are forgetting to site their materials. They don't mind getting written up for plagiarism incident reports. I think that we need to follow up and track these students better. There needs to be a reputation developed that stresses the importance of not plagiarizing. How can I monitor this behavior after students get out of my class?

I try to have a daily quiz at the end of each class that covers the material that was recently discussed. This helps to assess the material that is freshest in student's minds and keeps them from leaving early. Some students even stay after class to finish up the mathematics. So now I need a perfect strategy to get them to class on time. Any suggestions? I'm currently trying to have team time at the beginning of class. Thanks for any comments.

I feel it is important to remember names and important details about students.

I just had the first chat sessions and one of the issues the students were concerned about were the holidays. I moved my Thursday chat to Tuesday because of Thanksgiving. Several of the student have asked if I can post the next 2 instructor files on the assignments because they will be travelling. This session goes through the Christmas holiday and I have had students ask if they can submit their assignment early. So, to handle the holidays, I have to plan and prepare in advance to prevent the stress. There may be a touch of immedacy too!

All of my courses are taught online in a controlled environment. Grading of assignments are more of an issue of proper time management and articulating of assignment objectives so that students stay on track. A level of self discipline is required to stay on top of student grading so that you don’t get behind.

How do you acknowledge a student that is cheating during an exam without disrupting the class?

Stress also pertains to the level at which your work must be completed and your time management. I find it easy to correlate the two and by managing both one is able to maintain balance.

It has been a real time saver for me to reuse my presentations after each term. I have found it to freshen my ability to focus on the relationship I establish with my students.

It was really nice to see that this topic of immediacy. I feel that it describes me. I am always trying to get all things done as fast as possible because I don't want to leave anything undone. Knowing that I can relax a bit truly has given me freedom which will create a refreshing change for my student interactions.

Anyone have any ways to speed up grading graphic design projects? I have rubrics in place, grading based on thumbnails, concept, execution and craftsmanship. But... I feel like it takes a lifetime to grade 18 students? I deal with it and it doesn't deter me from teaching, but wow, it takes a lot of time. Any suggestions?

As I read through the topic on "new instructor", I saw myself in every case. Students can be very harsh, especially if they find out that the instructor is inexperienced in teaching. One student felt bad for me and tried to assist me on how to instruct the class. In fact, this made the situation worst because that student wanted to let everyone know that I was new instructor and should be given some slack. Eventually, I came out of my shell and obtain management of the class. It gave me self-respect and, in turn, the students respected me. -Alyce

There are several ways to minimize stress. Some of these are to eat properly and be fit by getting regular exercise. Eating right will make us feel less stress because our body will have the boost it needs. The stronger and more fit that we feel the less impact stress will have on us. One of the first steps to minimizing our stress is to understand the cause of our stress. There are several ways that can cope with stress. One way is to take charge of the situation. Remember to not stress about things or situations that we cannot change. To always think positive. To depend on your friends and family. To relax either through mediation and prayer.

Everyone experiences stress. The task of balancing one's personal and professional life, as well as an teaching in an accelerated academic curriculum is no easy undertaking. Remember that since stress affects us physically, enduring stress at work can carry over into our overall well-being at home, school, or elsewhere, etc. How do you handle stress?

I like the idea of streamlining grading. This takes up a significant part of our time. I prefer multiple choice questions that can be pregraded as assessment checks as the term progresses but prefer short answer at the end of the term.

We all only have 24 hours in a day, therefore, it is imperative that we use our time efficiently and effectively. We have to allocate our time for work, class, grading, family, etc. Whew I am tired!!!

Exercise & Sharing

One way to help reduce the cheating aspect is, we have multiple versions of the same test. I distribute a different version to every other student, and I do for warn them of this. You will get your occassional student that will test the waters so to speak by looking around to see if there are multiple versions, but I have found this cuts down on any attempts to do so greatly. For fear of copying and being wrong. Also if they brought notes or such for cheating they are not certain if they are the right notes or not now.