Students are the reason we exist
As educators, we are beholden to our students for our existence. Without them, we have nothing. Therefore, it is imperative for us to be organized, professional and caring. This way, our students will learn (the ultimate objective of our jobs) and leave our institutions with the knowledge, talent and skills necessary to be productive and informed citizens.
I think this is very true I know that I fell good when I give my students my best!
Doreen and Rita, I agree!
As quickly as possible I memorize each students name and call them by name each day. I ask them their opinion about the topic matter and how they applied the material from the previous day.
To make the class material relevent and interesting frequently rely on TV, the internet, Smart Phones, the newspapers and the textbook to describe any current event and apply it to the material at hand.
Humor is my best tool. It opens the class up and allows us all to "exhale."
Bennett Armstrong
Bennett, I use your same strategies. You MUST learn the students names as soon as possible! They really appreciate it! I want them to exhale in my class. The material can be intense and frightening to some students in my class but I try to make it as fun and simple for them to retain the informatio by using humor as well.
I agree that learning the students is important. I make it a point to have their names memorized by the end of the first week. They do really appreciate it. I also use activities the first week such as a backpack speech in my Presentation Skills class which helps them get to know each other and make more of a non-threatening learning environment.
