Kimberly Diesburg

Making the connection builds trust in any conversations moving forward. It creates a bond between the two parties

I need to monitor my body language, I need to seek to understand the needs of the person communicating, I need to rephrase to ensure my understanding and the other person will feel better that I understand

Be ever present in the conversation and pay close attention to the body language of yourself and student. Seek first to understand. 

Online learning gives students the flexibility of learning where and when they are comfortable. It certainly helps with family and work obligation obstacles

Keep fresh ideas of hands on activities for students. Sometimes equate silly things with material content. Sometimes the sillier the better. Even though students dont say things they always pay attention. So ask them what their opinion is on a certain topic and allow them to go with it. 

Allow students to help drive the lecture. Give them information and see where their minds go. Make sure to ask critical thinking questions to help to access the retention of information 

Comment on Angela Johnson's post: Absolutely. They each have different reasons for returning to school and we cant help them to achieve those goals if we dont know what they are. 

We learn as much from students as they learn from us. They give us a perception that maybe we had not considered. Students need engagement from instructors and faculty need to understand their students motivation to succeed.