Get to know each other.

Taking time to learn about your students is very important. Knowing about a students culture, beliefs, values, government if any government, religion and traditions is a way to personalize and connect with students. Make them feel like they are getting something out of being in your classroom as oppossed to just "i have to be here" Give your students a purpose and motivate them. The examples i wrote above are areas where teachers can connect with their students. Create exercises where students share information with other students. I think that would create a sense of accomplishment for them.

By having some background knowledge about the students it gives teachers a chance to be sensetive to certain students situations. Whatever that may be. For example some student may not celebrate christmas therefore dislike it. So an activity solely based on Christmas might not be a good idea. Instead an alternative could be to focus on a broad range of holidays and give students an opportunity to explain them and present them in a positive and respectful manner.

Another thing i found extremely important for today's teachers is keeping a journal on students. A place to note positive and negative things that happened, noticed, good lessons for the future or changes that should be made in the future. Reflection and change is not a bad thing. It is part of life and teachers should not be afraid but rather embrass it.