Joe Gaskill

Security within the classroom without restricting the learning environment is an attainable goal. 

I plan to incorporate preplanned lectures, hands-on activities and media clips into my teaching style. This will hold the student's attention and actively engage them in the learning process.

I've learned it is vital to connect with students during our first classroom interaction.  While all names and particulars may not be remembered, students will value the effort you put into the first interaction.

Make preparations early, anticipate changes in the first day and roll with the changes. 

Be prepared for class, look to model, manage and motivate students.

Returning to teaching and instructor duties after being out of the education business for a number of years gave me the opportunity to work with and around people of many different backgrounds. Recognizing the difference between passive and active learning was much easier to recognize this time around based on my exposure to today's student.

From this course and forum, I was able to better understand the importance of learning types and styles. As an instructor seeks to understand the specifics of today's classroom based on a number of factors including the student's age, social situation, desire to learn and previous experience in the field of study.