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Ask a question from your peers to help you in your professional work. Seek different points of view on a topic that interests you. Start a thought-provoking conversation about a hot, current topic. Encourage your peers to join you in the discussion, and feel free to facilitate the discussion. As a community of educators, all members of the Career Ed Lounge are empowered to act as a discussion facilitator to help us all learn from each other.

Attendance Policies on the Syllabus

One difficulty I have with planning the syllabus and the policies is the Attendance Policy. What are the best ways to make it clear on the syllabus that attendance is important? Will assigning additional work to students who are absent help?

I found that mature "old aged" students are more oriented for study at career school. They know what they can expect. They aware that they sacrifice their time and they want to get more for the time spending in school. Some young people are good as well. At the same time, there are students who choose the school without future vision. They came to school without any interst. Probably, they will not stay in profession later. But we have to teach everybody regardless. So, I try to spend more time with the students who have ego to study, even if they fail test question I still prefer to work for them. I told them thatI am ready to extend my hand to them. And it is their choice to accept this or not. They are in career school!! so no nursing and no baby sitting.

Meeting the class for the first time.

Generally, on the first day of my classes, I go around the room, and have everyone introduce themselves, and say something about themselves. Eventually, this leads to a discussion of the class itself, and to why being enrolled in the class will benefit their understanding of their chosen field of study. It also helps me to remember names and have a little background information on each student, because while this is taking place I take notes and include them in their file.

Selecting Supplemental Materials

I find that the inclusion of "handouts" in class actually benefits the student. I use them as a source of quick reference, a more consice available source of information. And also as a summary of material covered.

Motivator

As an instructor, in learning, I find that some students often want to "put the cart before the horse" as it were, when what should occurr is a step by step approach that will leave them informed and hungry for more. I take a step by step approach, and find that it really works in my field of study.

Optional Materials

I find keeping attune to what is going on in the industry is very important. I will seek the most updated information on a subject before I draw up my lesson plan to include beyond the basic knowledge out of the text. In this ever changing world students want to know they have the most recent information.

Comfort Level

In my first class I try to make students comfortable about what our educational goals are during said course. I find it opens minds to learn if they feel it is what they put into as much as what I teach them. I use "WE" often to let them know it is a collective effort but ultimately they are responsible for what they learn. It has worked well because students do not have any problems asking questions.

Confidence

A well prepared instructor lends confidence to their students to accompolish their highest level educational goals.

Model/Manager/Motivator

As a working professional in the field of study I often share with my students an event I dealt with during the day to allow them inside information about what type of issues they will encounter.

In ending the class for the day, is there anything you can say to peak the student curiosity to get them excited about the next class?

How much information and back ground do you tell students about yourself. And does it include personal information? Whats the limit?

Re:

What are some of the ways you use to make sure you have the right learning enviroment?

re: icebreakers

Do You use ice breakers to start off a new module, and if so what kind.

I have found that most student learn faster with the help of visual aids. Let's face it this is a visual society.

when new student enters my classroom for the very first time I always explain the them (after introducing myself ) that it usually takes me two to three days to remember their name and to please forgive me if I make an error within that time span. But, I usally make little notes on post-its to help me remember their names.

Planning and Preparation

I have found that being well prepared before class makes the day much smoother for myself as well as my students.Reading all necessary materials helps you to be more confident when it comes to answering questions that students needs answers to.

The learning environment needs to have structure, but how can you make it to be comfortable for the studnets?

When you have students Teens and Adults, in the same class, When adults want to have and take the class very serious and teens just want to have fun?

classical music in classrooms?

How do you feel about playing soft music in the background at a very low volume. To my research classical and soft music help the learning process a great deal.

Don't become a pal.

Regarding the Role 2 Manager section: "Don't become a pal." I have seen this happen too many times. An instructor will give a student a few "bucks" for lunch, then that student seems to go to them for every problem they have including needing more money. Too many instructors feel sorry for the student and the "borrowed" money is never returned. Students also feel that their instructors can fix their personal problems as well. Many want advice regarding marriage, children, etc. and too often instructors are willing to give it. This creates more of that "pal" relationship. Helpful suggestions are fine but you must know where to "draw the line."

ED101

Have you ever presented material to your peers and have them evaluate your methods of teaching. I have found they are not as critical as the students evals.