One technique that works well with adult learning is group work. For example, I have students get into groups of 2 to 3. Then students ask each questions from a handout; goal is to get to know the students. Then team members introduce someone other than themselves in the group. This way students establish a "common ground" and there is a sense of camaraderie. This is a positive way to get student participation going in a Communications Class. Any other suggestions?

It is best to check attendance at the beginning of the class period. A student should also be made to know that whether he/she is not in class yet, the class will start and that he/she is responsible for what he/she has missed. Lastly, any homework is to be collected at the beginning of the class period.

There are many class activities that can generate critical thinking, such as brainstorming, group presentations, peer editing. When students ask each others how they can organize the presentation, what devices they can use to enhance their presentation, when they go over each others writing assignments, discuss their recommendations for correction- all these give students the opportunities to reason, to question, and to make judgments. The instructor has to make sure though that everybody in the group participates in the planning and in the discussions.

Having a book in front of you and a power point can help you but there are various additions that prove useful. Having hard parts that they can pass around as well as drawing specific systems in the board and having them copy them aids in the understanding and retention of the topic.

In one of our intro classes I have a project where the student must give their opinion on a current subject.. IE. ObamaCare.... Then we form up groups based on their current bias. They must research the item with 5 facts that are opposite of their current opinion that they did not know before they did the research. It's used as a thought provoking discussion of how they form opinions on what is not necessarily all the required information.

supporting the students mental is very importing you never know who you are helping out with your support

pretesting allows you to know where your students are at

i like the training part of this session it allows you to test on the things that was taught

I really like the thinking break and how your brain need a break to regroup

The essential task of the educator is to arrange conditions of the learner’s environment so that processes of learning will be activated, supported, enhanced, and maintained.” Also, the instructor must be able to demonstrate considerable knowledge of the principles and methodologies of effective teaching and learning with demonstrated experiences in sharing that knowledge with colleagues through formal and informal professional learning activities.

What are some ways to introduce more self-directed learning activities into the classroom environment?

Kolb provided us with insight into the different types of personality. He created a four-quadrant model as well; including ways we sense, perceive and respond to external stimuli. He thought there were Thinkers, Watchers, Feelers and Doers. In my psych class I ask the class to write down which combination(s) they are and then do an inventory to see if there responses match their notions of their personality. It got me thinking, how much of what theorists assign to the left brain or right brain might be more of a process of the mind i.e. the development of the personality and how you approach problem solving?

I find when dealing with adult students they want to get to the core of the subject matter. They want cut through the fluff and get to the point.

One of the best methods I have found with helping student begin to think critically and be reflective thinkers is to have them work through a problem-solving method using a problem they are having in their own lives. I think this helps them connect with the concept and allows them to see the value of the process outside of the classroom setting.

1.Internal based 2. Improve job skills 3. Must be relevant 4. Adjust to stages of life

I use these in my anatomy class to show how each component of the body builds it in the whole body. I then use this same approach to show how they will use the things they are learning in their daily careers.

I believe their goals/aspirations could be ask a question on the pre-test and then incorporated in with the knowledge based questions.

Interesting in theory, difficult to appeal to various learning styles in the class room but this is the challenge isn't?

Out of all the factors discussed that influence learning does one trump over the other or they all equally weighted?

I employ many different teaching tools such as lecture, power-point and Youtube video as a means to help my students retain information.