Bobbi Miles

As instructors of adult learners we must be fully prepared and ready to provide for the instructional needs of people in various age ranges, cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds and/or disabilities.  This is why it is essential for us to learn about and understand our students and their motivations.

I learned to consider the 15-18 minute attention span of the average human, and to remember to keep things to 5-7 steps, also the limit for the average human being to engage - this is so important to me, because I want my students comprehending AND engaging in my course content.

It is essential that students feel comfortable in the class, know that their instructor cares about their learning, and that the material presented will be relevant to their professional goals.

Preparation is key to ensuring a successful course.  This includes not only a well-developed and comprehensive syllabus, but enacting our previously learned emphasis on timeliness and attention to detail, and developing a checklist as well.

What I took from this portion of the module was how necessary it is to be prepared for instruction, mentally and physically, to continue to project and help model the professionalism that will be expected of them upon graduation.  Remembering too that while I'm here to give instruction, learning is lifelong and I must endeavor to continue to improve my own "craft."