Dorothy Lewis

Hi Patricia: First 20 minutes I take roll by asking students questions from the homework as I call their names out loud. This is an ice breaker and really gets students talking. Second 20 minutes - Lecture with students taking notes Third 20 minutes - an assessment of some type Fourth 20 minutes - group exercise (no more than 5 to a group Fifth 20 minutes - reflective writing exercise. and so on. You can include (video clips, guest speakers, current event discussions, and so on...

A good instructor over prepares, matches their teaching style with their students learning style and changes the classroom acivity every 20 minutes. This keeps the energy flowing in the classroom.

To reduce cheating, instructors must use a test bank which often comes with the instructors materials. Distribute alternate test to students therefore the person siting next to you has a different version of the same test questions. Explain this to students so they know the person sitting next to them has a different test. Same material but questions scrambled.

Mandatory office hour visitations for all students is a useful tool. During this one-on-one time, teachers can address sensitive topics and resolve many classroom management issues they may be experiencing.

I think it is important to involve every student in the learning activity for each class session. You must reach the students in the front, middle and back of the room. This takes skill. Having each student perform a writing exercise each session (journal) when appropriate adds value to the class sessions (reflective thinking) no matter the subject.