Deborah Rivera

Motivation by design is acquired by each person depending on the reward.  

This term what I've learned regarding my Students; outside factors take the driver seat when they're facing personal challenges.  Students' anxiety, depression and lack of motivation increases when they have outer world issue to manage.  

Though I don't agree on allowing technology in class; I have seen it abused and disruptive on many levels gone wrong more so in the majority then minority.   I do see the need and advantage of technology in the educational level. 

Students learning from Students is most empowering and less intimidating.  

I work at a Tech school with a variety of demographical students.  What I see is Student's not owning their own education and Instructors pushing and pulling for goals to be met when Students themselves are not managing and owning their own progress.  This is an eye opener for me to realize; I can share my knowledge, experience and time but the Students must own their own desire to seek out the trade they have chosen to be educated in. 

Testing formats are designed to the type of information we are wanting our students to learn.  I now have a format to follow on how to design my tests according to the type of exam I am wanting to give the Students. 

I often asked my Students questions and I'd get "I don't know the answer" looks or eye balls rolling.  I never knew there was a particular technique to asking questions and how to get a productive response from the Students.  

Each Student learns in very different ways.  I had a class where they were visual learners and when I gave my personal stories and how it related with the topic my students retained the information.  On the other hand I had a group of direct listening learners and all they needed were the facts w/o personal story telling.  As an Instructor; I had to take each groups feedback and adjust my teaching style to their learning preference.  I had to be the flexible teacher and respect each student for their learning style. 

Planning is the biggest key to stay organized.  To help the students and yourself stay on track; keeping in mind to stay flexible when needed. 

Organization is the key to successful online teaching.  Forwarding that knowledge to our students is just as important for them to succeed.