If students believe that they can follow the coursework, can improve their grade, and can control their own destiny, they are more motivated to perform. The instructor can never assume student knowledge or skill levels, even with prerequisites. On the first class day, faculty should get a rough determination of each student s skills, either through individual portfolio review, or some general diagnostic instrument, such as writing a personal history. Then the teacher can tailor their instruction to the students. Teachers have to make a choice, they can teach to the course content, or they can teach to the student skill level.
Students bring multiple learning styles to the classroom.
Despite the common course content not all students learn the same way. Teachers should offer multiple, optional ways for students to complete projects. There are usually several different ways to achieve certain results. Provide all of the possibilities. Talk to the level of your students.