Larry Mell

Discussion Comment

It can be difficult for me to not interrupt when listening to a student complain about the challenges they face. When I first started I would want to talk about a time I had blah blah blah. I quickly learned though that the reason the student was talking to me wasn't necessarily for advice. Most of the they time the wanted to vent their frustrations and feel a sense of someone's listening, as well as receive a little encouragement. I found the key is to remain neutral, and positive.

Larry Mell

Discussion Comment

Emulate success

I have always found that if you wnat to be successful find a SME in the field who is a true professional and emulate their good habits until they are your own. If you want to be successful do what successful people do.

Larry Mell

Discussion Comment

Quiet students

Quiet students to me present the largest challenge. I find myself constantly wondering if they are getting the material or if they are just moving along hoping for a C. One of the ways that I find helpfull in dealing with quite students is to have the class do a daily review of material covered with their bookks closed. I try not to single the quite students out but find myself asking them more probing questions about their understanding of the material covered that day. I find that this helps me to at least make sure they heard and understood… >>>

Larry Mell

Discussion Comment

The "excuse" student

In each class I have taught I have found that I usually have at least 1 syudent who has an excuse for everything, or at least most things. The best way I have found to deal with these type of students is to give them encouragement while at the same time making sure they understand the class grading policy does not make exceptions. After the first week these students usually get on bored and stop with the excuses. Occasionally I will get a student who can not seem to get it together. This student is usally failing my class due… >>>

Larry Mell

Discussion Comment

Real world relevancy in relation to class work

When going over the syllabus with a new class I find that if I can relate to the adult students how this course will affect them in their field I will have a much more engaged class from day one. Some of the students have a difficult time envisioning where they will use this course material and can easily miss the importance of attendance and participation. One of the ways that I try to help these students grasp the importance of actively being engaged in the class is to point out the effect training has on their pocket book. If… >>>

Larry Mell

Discussion Comment

Attention spans

To me one of the most important parts of classroom management involves the instructor paying attention to the students and realizing when a lecture, lab, handout or something similiar is ineffective. Keeping adult students attention is the most important part of efectively teaching in my opinion.

Larry Mell

Discussion Comment

First impressions

For me meeting a class for the first time is probably the most important day in the term. It is important to set the tone for the class, as well as the expectations, and requirements. I like to set a relaxed environment with an emphasis on consequences, both good and bad, that reflects my personal attitude of hard work with a smile.

Larry Mell

Discussion Comment

Preparation

I try to make it a point to always be in the classroom before the first student arrives. I find that if I am running late the first part of the class will be almost a total wash than if I had prepared for it. If I am late I will be rushed to get the classroom laid out for lecture, as well as lab activities. By being early I allow myself plenty of time to prepare myself and my classroom for the day.

Larry Mell

Discussion Comment

Night Students and Motivation

One of the hardest challenges I have faced is helping students who work full time during the day, find the motivation needed to stay on task and focus at night. One of the best motivational tools I have found so far is to try and focus on the long term impacts of learning and understanding the course material. I always try to relate to the students that the core skills they learn in the classroom have daily relevance in their chosen career field. I find that if I help the students focus on how a subject will apply to them… >>>