Deborah Rasmussen

Comment on Rena Lloyd's post: 

Building a relationship at the very start of the class is very important. Getting to the know the students and remembering their names, their likes and dislikes helps to build the relationship. 

Comment on Shelley Freshman's post: 

I too struggle with remembering the student's names. I like your idea of the folders and will try that next term. I have given the students poster paper and had them make name plates and decorate them. This has helped me in learning their names and the students have enjoyed decorating their name plates. 

I have found it very helpful to closely monitor the class dynamics. Some groups of students are definitely more challenging than others. As I get to know the individual students I am able to direct their learning process more effectively. 

I think utilizing the tools of the "observer" and the "use it wisely cards" will help make the class flow smoothly and involve more of the students. 

I appreciated the information regarding the importance of the syllabus and the need to review it with the class at the start of the term. I have found this to be critically important and I highlight pertinent areas of the syllabus that students tend to question. This can help prevent problems later in the class. 

Nice review of the importance of continued growth as an instructor and in your areas of specialty.  

Compliance with organizational policies and accrediting standards is very important. Supporting students by being compliant and by meeting the student's needs is a goal each of us shares.