Debra Dobbs

Location: willoughby hills, ohio

About me

My professional background includes 12 years in Global IT - engineering information services, business analysis, portal management, application design and development, testing and release management for web applications in finance and manufacturing. My interest in adult learning was developed when I was responsible for writing user guides for newly developed and enhanced web applications. I found my role to be the liaison between the technical development team and the engineering user groups. It was a fascinating, frustrating and often rewarding experience to build and sustain effective communication bridges between technical and nontechnical groups.

In my current position as an instructor of Oral Communication, I am able to use my understanding of user needs to help develop effective programs of learning for students based on their career programs. The challenge is to help the students become aware of the needs they will face in their chosen fields. Often students are stunned by the question, "what will you use your communication skills for in your chosen field. Those students who do not hesitate seem to have a grasp of the value of effective communication. For those who shrug off the value of communication in their career fields, I engage their program directors and the Career Center Director to help frame the role of communication in the job interview and daily job tasks. As the students begin to see / visualize themselves in various scenarios, they are able to answer the introductory question.

Interests

oral communication, public speaking, presentation skills, interpersonal communication and intra-communication

Skills

presentation and speech planning, speech presentation, information analysis, workflow development, project management communication, inter-department communication

Activity

Debra Dobbs

Discussion Comment

Dynamic Instruction Requires No Two Classes Are The Same

When facilitating a class, no two sections are the same. Altough course objectives may be the same, the discussion and activities must frame the learner's experience and career interests. Each time material is prepared and activities are designed, the focus must be on the students' career goals to ensure the course provides the maximum benefit to those enrolled.

Debra Dobbs

Blog Comment

ED104

Agreed. ED104 offered a very insightful look at adult learners. I was fascinated to realize that they have a unique perspective about the classroom and actual learning. Did you identify anything specific in how you create your syllabus or prepare assignments?

Debra Dobbs

Blog Comment

104

Congratulations! Yes, changing the syllabus format is such a powerful tool to capture student attention. I too have begun to evaluate the documentation I use in class. Now I can understand why so many items are often missed or misunderstood.

Good Luck using the new strategies in your classroom.

Debra Dobbs

Discussion Comment

Not alone

Whether a new instructor or one that is seasoned, we all experience moments of complete exasperation. Each time we meet a new class we have to wonder how will it go? Who will be our star students? Who, if anyone will be a challenge? Always be confident in your abilities and your talents. The best start to being a great instructor is to vision yourself as one. The rest will flow based on your preparation and attention to detail.

Good Luck!

Debra Dobbs

Discussion Comment

Learning styles and Testing

Can't say that I am a fan of true / false. I like to have students express their learning by relating the answer to something in their career objective. When students take the time to think through how the answer can relate to their career field they seem more dedicated to the task of learning.

Debra Dobbs

Blog Comment

Great work!

Yes instructors can become worn out. We all try to bring the very best of our experiences and efforts to the classroom. Often we are not sure how to reach our students. We have to realize that adult students carry the same work/life stresses as we all do. Learning has to be a collaborative effort...a partnership between the instructor and student.

Debra Dobbs

Discussion Comment

Establishing Credibility with Students

It is very important to establish rapport and respect with students. Mutual respect seems to be the key. Students have to believe that the instructor is there for their benefit. Likewise, the instructor has to understand and respect students for their initiative to come to school as adult learners.

Debra Dobbs

Discussion Comment

Student Behavior

Wow this really helps clarify how to interact with angry and distant students. The biggest impact (I've found) is to the class. When nonperforming students enter the classroom, the whole feel of the room changes. Angry and distant students cause class discussions to drop off or barely limp along. Hopeful these new strategies will assist me in effectively neutralizing angery and silent students.

Debra Dobbs

Discussion Comment

Working with a Challenging Student

The techniques discussed should be very helpful with managing a challenging student. As described in our learning, my "challenging student" is great because he always has something bright to say. Today however, he actually refused to let other students answer questions. The class became visibly annoyed with the student. In my attempts to communicate with the challenging student, I asked him to let others have a chance. Sometimes he would wait. Other times he would blurt out answers...or actually talk over me as I was trying to re-energize the class discussion. I recognize this is an attention getting technique on… >>>

Debra Dobbs

Discussion Comment

Motivating Students through Activities

Students seem to embrace learning when there is a direct correlation between their school assignment and their chosen field of work. If the assignments remain relevant to their planning and job aspirations there seems to be greater care given in the preparation and delivery of their work. In my Oral Communication class I focus on personal or professional interests to motivate students. Quite often the results are well thought out and presented in an atmosphere of excitement.

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