When I became a new instructor, I had issues with wanting students to like me versus having them respect me. I realized soon that having that respect is much more important because they are able to see that no matter the relationship I had with them, I was fair with all the students and treated them the way they expected to be treated. I think that helped a lot with the students that weren't very open to me as a new instructor initially, but later warmed to me.

One of the first issues I ran into as a new instructor was how to deal with the many different and often-competing personalities of my students. I had to identify the ones that wanted/needed the most attention as well as the ones that weren't paying attention and were daydreaming. It helped to introduce different types of activities, especially ones that made students get out of their chairs and interact with me and with the other students.

I have a difficult time with this obstacle. I find myself wanting to do a little of everything! This course really explains the chaotic place I have found myself in on separate occaisions.

Instructor Mistakes The most important part about making a mistake is taking responsibility for it! And I guess, even more importantly, is admitting it to your students. The truth of the matter is everyone makes mistakes; they are a part of life. But what do we do? Learn from them! The first step to learning is admitting. If students see you take ownership of your mistakes and go through this process, not only are you correcting yourself, but you are teaching them how to handle mistakes in their lives.

Types of Students There are all types of students that make up a classroom. The important thing to remember is that they all deserve equal treatment. Just because someone is quiet in your classroom, doesn’t mean that you should ignore him or her. Along the same lines, just because one of your students is trying to be a “teacher’s pet” doesn’t mean that he or she should receive better treatment. Students will quickly notice if you are not being “fair.”

Rationale for Learning One of the biggest challenges for teaching math to students is getting them to see that it does have a purpose! Once you give them specific examples of where it can be seen/used in real life, they are more apt to actually want to learn it. I try to start lessons out by getting them engaged this way.

I find that if the rules are laid out in the beginning of the term, the majority of the students will adhere to theses rules. Although, there always seems to be one who tries to buck the "system". As the instuctor, how you deal with that student, sets the tone for the rest of the terms. I have handld this incorrectly and paid for it and I have handled it well and all went well after. The most amazing thing happens when you handle it well. The other students in the class, seeing how you react and care about teaching them, will tend to take on the role of disciplinarian. I have seen proactive students handle the "problem" before I even have a chance to say anything. It truly is amazing to see.

I agree that all assignments provided need to be tied in to job-related skills; students need to know they are getting the skills they need to jump right into the job market and have that competitive edge over the next applicant. By tying in the lesson and the job skills, a student will become more confident in not only the skill, but their own abilities.

When I finally started teaching I was really nervous. I thought that I would have trouble getting through to students and that they would do terrible. However, many students have told me that they love having me as an instructor and that I give them a whole different perspective.

I have found, just like this module states, that listening to angry students really helps. The student just wants someone to hear them out in many cases. Listening really seems to help the students attitude.

I definetly like the idea of breaking unattentive students into groups. It usually seems to jump start their thought process and get them more engaged in the material.

I find that running helps me tremendously with stress. Nothing makes me feel better then a nice 3 mile run outside.

I feel that I have more personal stress then stress from work. However once I'm in front of my students all of my stress seems to go away.

I currently give all online homework and tests. However, this has given me the idea to possible try some hands on material for homework and tests. I will try to find a way tro incorporate this for my stedents. It should be very helpful for their learning experience.

I'm a terrible procrastinator and put most things off until the very last minute. However, I am very prompt about putting in students grades, usually right after they are done with the graded task.

I feel I have more of the style of the guide because I love to help students navigate through the educational process and guide them with the right stepps to take to reach their goal that otherwise would not have been able to be reached.

Do not concern yourself with being liked. Be professional, fair and consistant and you will earn your students respect. They may not like you when they are a student, but they will appreciate you when they get that first job.

When encountering an angry student I find it best to listen first. Be calm and help them find a solution to the problem by giving them options, not advise. Do not get sucked into an argument with them if you are why they are upset. Document the incident.

The know it all student doesn't really know it all or they wouldn't be there. When you ask a question and they answer, incorrectly. I find it important to not point out that they are wrong in front of the whole class. Find ways to support their comment with the correct answer without embarassing them.

I try to give as many examples as I can from my experiance in the field as it pertains to current topics in the class. I find my students are able to understand why they have to truly understand and learn all course content that way. Not just what they think they need to know.