Deborah Rasmussen

Comment on Rena Lloyd's post: 

The classroom should be a safe area where the students are able to ask questions without feeling embarrassed. Encouraging discussion and interactions with each other is an important part of the learning experience. When students are involved retention increases. 

Comment on Sandra Byrnes's post: 

Helping the students envision their future and showing them the exciting possibilities is a rewarding part of being an educator! 

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.