Michael Sliman

Effective instructors should not be afraid to take chances and be creative in their implementation to fit the student and the group environment. Taking careful chances to show students that learning outside of the box can sometimes be the best way to get a lesson across. 

It seems these softer methods of successful teaching could be seen as non-traditional since they focus little on the content and the responsibilities of the student to learn and more on the teacher's role to support the student and to facilitate the learning through careful thought and compassion.

The best way to reach a student is to try to reach them. Making an effort is most likely the best way to reach them and the most likely what they need to see. If a connection is not there between a student and a teacher, then make one. Either make a planned effort or ask the student, "How best may I help"?

Implementation of some of the basic teaching methods is to exhibit both administrative and educational organization. This helps both the teacher and the students to get the most out of the time and effort spent in the course. Additionally, suggestive and careful communication is expected in order to accommodate the students and a non-confrontational learning environment. 

When delivering course content, have an organized plan as to the order in which the content should be delivered. This order should demonstrate high-priority concepts being taught, so that one concept builds upon another. By demonstrating a hierarchy of material, the students notice the inherent order and become intrigued as to what comes next. Including images, visual diagrams, lists and pockets of information, this allows a wide variety of students' learning styles to connect with the information, and they can form their own decisions on how best to summarize the material.

Include insight on how to cultivate energy, positivity and forward-thinking of a new student.

On the first day of class, it's important to give information about your background as an educator along with any relevant experience in the field in which you educate about. Additionally, get to know your students' educational achievements and backgrounds and have them get to know one another. This helps the students feel like they belong in the class and sets a comfortable standard of knowing their surroundings to facilitate a space for communication and learning.

List one or more best practices that help instructors measure student's attention to course expectations.

Keeping in mind the student's perspective of the class helps the instructor create a welcoming environment for the students and allows the student to feel some type of ownership in the course climate. Also, setting clear expectations at the beginning of the course helps each student to understand their role in the class and perform more accurately and timely.