Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Larry, Great examples of how you make your course content relevant. These graphic examples give your students clear evidence of how important ethics are and how that through the study of your course they will have an even greater depth of knowledge about this most important subject. From your examples I can see that you are an instructor that works hard to bring both theory and practice together in your classroom. Not only must the students be aware of ethics they need to see examples, both positive and negative, around them in all walks of life. Your methods help… >>>

Hi Melissa, Great approach to getting your students settled down and ready to progress in your course. Everyone of us approaches a new situation with a case of nerves, sometimes the nerves are small and other times they really get to us, depending how the situation works out. By you giving them a clear understanding of expectations, outcomes, and career blocks being developed they should be ready to go with minimum cases of nerves. Something you might want to do during your first class meeting once you have covered the logistical and course requirements, is to have some easy fun… >>>

Hi Melissa, You are right about the need for a supportive learning environment. The time and energy it takes to create a learning community with each of your classes is well worth it. If the students can develop a sense of ownership and loyalty to the class and to you as an instructor you will have a much easier instructional path to follow. As you well know rapport is a key element in this recipe for success. Some of the most effective learning takes place through questioning. If the students perceive questioning as a learning tool you will be able… >>>

Hi Melissa, You are well on your way to developing a teaching style that is suitable for your field and comfortable for you and your students. By being open to suggestions and help from other professionals in the field you will advance quickly in your professional development. Your mention of timing brings up an area that all educators have to deal with. How do you find the right mix of time to spend on each area? Experience will help you greatly with this area but what do you do in the meantime? A suggestion would be to solicit constant feedback… >>>

Hi Brenda, Immediate use of newly acquired knowledge is always a good idea. Your approach allows students to get a clear picture of what will be coming in the weeks ahead. Application helps to create an understanding of relevance. It is also very helpful when the students understand that you understand how what you are teaching is helpful. I see many instructors that offer content only because it is required rather, that offering for increased knowledge. Your excitement about the field will also help with making the relevance of instruction applicable. Do you use any games or activities when you… >>>

Hi Brenda, You have captured the beginning of your courses. Inform, inform, inform. You are taking the mystery and/or surprise out of the requirements of your courses. I am continually surprised at the number of students that at the end of the course say “You never told me this was required” and you point to the syllabus and course outline, “Oh but I did”. I have found it helpful to revisit throughout the course the requirements, in two ways, what we have done and what we are going to be doing. They get to see growth and also the challenges… >>>

Hi Brenda, Good ideas for setting up a supporting environment for your students. I am with you on the cell phone situation. That is a courtesy as well as learning issue. They have to respect the other students and their learning needs. Non-traditional students need even more support as they make the transition from their previous world to the world of being a student. As you know they are very nervous about their success in the class as well as how they will fit in with the other students. By having exercises or activities that let them demonstrate their abilities… >>>

Hi Tammy, You are following the steps for successful teaching. Letting the students know what is expected of them, providing them with documentation of the requirements, and then reminding them throughout the course of the requirements will keep them on their toes for completing the course requirements. You might want to spend a few minutes at the beginning of each class asking if there are any questions about the upcoming assignments. Often you will find that there is a misunderstanding concerning the assignments that has grown into “urban legend” status and this can cause many problems within the class. By… >>>