Brian Jermainne

This area of the course taught me how to best present lectures and demonstrations to the students, as well as common styles of lectures and demonstrations.  Use "mini-lectures" of 10-15 minutes, cover a single point with examples and end with a short summary.  Make notes about how your lectures went, and review what worked and what didn't.  During demonstrations try to keep it to 5 to 7 steps, make it so everyone can see, and have a fallback plan if the demonstration doesn't go well.

I've learned about showing the students that you are human, with outside interests and hobbies.  It's important to get to know their hobbies and interests as well and establish a good rapport on common ground.  Getting to know why they are interested in the topic, and what gets them excited about the topic is key, and a great way to start your first day!  It's important to remember their name, and get them acquainted comfortably with the rest of the class using various methods like counting off and small groups.  

I've learned to welcome the students by making the classroom comfortable and inviting and getting to know them.  To lay out all the course objectives using components A through D as a guide, have a detailed, and easy-to-understand syllabus, setting goals, and relating them to the objectives set.

Do not try to prove to your students that you are the most intelligent person in your field or the room.  Instead, show your enthusiasm and love for the subject, and that you care they are interested.  Dress appropriately for your field, and use professional mannerisms and language, to set a good example for your students.  And collect insight on how you might grow as an instructor, then create and follow a plan to improve yourself, your knowledge, and your teaching skills!