Erica Rucci

It was great learning about the different teaching styles and approaches to classroom management. Understanding that there are multiple ways to engage students and create an effective learning environment helped broaden my perspective. It reinforced the importance of being flexible, intentional, and responsive to students’ needs in order to support both engagement and success.

Utilizing my nursing background is something I want to be more intentional about. Having a nurse as part of a general education course offers students a unique perspective, and I would like to better incorporate real-world healthcare experiences into the learning process. This can help make the content more relevant, practical, and engaging. By connecting course concepts to real-life situations and encouraging students to draw from their own experiences as well, I can create a more meaningful and applied learning environment.

Utilizing my nursing background is something I want to be more intentional about. Having a nurse as part of a general education course offers students a unique perspective, and I would like to better incorporate real-world healthcare experiences into the learning process. This can help make the content more relevant, practical, and engaging. By connecting course concepts to real-life situations and encouraging students to draw from their own experiences as well, I can create a more meaningful and applied learning environment.

Reading about the need for instructors to recharge was something I really needed. I have experienced that mid-class slump myself, and it was reassuring to see that this is something many instructors face—not something personal or a reflection of my abilities. Just having that validation helped me shift my perspective, and it has already motivated me to be more intentional about recharging my own energy so I can continue showing up fully for my students.

Having fun in class can be more challenging to create in a virtual environment, since it is harder to build energy and interaction online. However, this has motivated me even more to find creative ways to bring fun and engagement into each class. By being intentional with interactive activities, discussions, and a positive atmosphere, I am determined to make learning enjoyable and meaningful for students, even in a virtual setting.

Reading about the extrinsic needs of students, the module discusses the importance of creating a learning environment that is supportive and conducive to success. I believe that a virtual classroom can offer the same qualities when it is designed intentionally. Consistent announcements, clear and ongoing weekly communication, and regular live online sessions help create structure, connection, and support for students. When communication is timely, expectations are clear, and the instructor maintains a visible presence, a virtual environment can be just as engaging, supportive, and effective as an in-person classroom.

Be sure that the material is relevant and up to date.  Always align class materials with the CLOs

First impressions are important. Getting to know each student and making them feel that they are an important part of class will help to retain their interest. 

Prepare lessons early enough to allow for time to edit and revise as needed. Arrive at class early and ready to be engaging and excited for each class. 

I love the class that I teach, so I find it easy to be enthusiastic and excited. However, some chapter content can be "heavy" and "boring," so I combat this by creating games like Jeopardy to avoid a long, boring lecture.