John Raimondi

I use a variety of these methods to bring the students into the coversation of the class. Self assessments can be extemely useful 

in drawing students in to make useful contributions. Thay also give the students instant feedback. Oftentimes the students will come up after class to discuss their answers which also helps to create a rapport with the students.

Students assessments can be very useful. I try and give many opportunites for the students to assess how they are doing in class. Oftentimes an uncollected in class assignment can give the student an idea of how they are doing in the class. 

I often find it very important to take a minute to think about my answer before I answer. Sometimes a pause or a short walk in front of the blackboard is agreat way to organize my thoughts and give a more complete answer. 

Keeping the students focused is extremely important. Sometimes I can tell that students are losing their focus. I will try and change up the classroom format and try to be more interactive with the material. Forming small groups or dividing up the class into teams can create renewed interest in the material. 

I agree. It is very important for the students to see Instructors as caring. Sometimes I state that others have had the same issue and this is how they solved the problem. Let the students know that they are not alone and that others have experienced the same problems in their academic careers.