Patricia Scales

Hi Bridgie, Great list! Let's not forget to have students clear their desk, including their cell phones. Patricia

Hi Andrea, Critical thinking exercises are great! Students really enjoy them, especially your high level thinkers. I always get super participation with these exercises. Patricia

Hi Nancy, You're right! Visual seems to be the trick! Students tend to get it when they can see it. Patricia

Hi Tim, Many years of experience, and you have certainly taught a wide group of students. I've been teaching for over 22 years, but the largest group I have ever had was 30. I find myself to be well prepared and very confident when teaching. I like to prepare a week in advance. Preparation certainly minimizes anxiety. Patricia

Hi Christine, Challening students can be difficult to deal with. I like to have a very firm private conversation with these students in order to flow smoothly through the semester. The best way to humble them is to ask them a difficult question about the subject matter that they struggle with. This shows them that they don't know it all. You may have to ask a few questions before reaching this point, but it works. Patricia

Hi Cynthia, Preparation is key! When you are prepared, you feel more ready, confident, and in control. Patricia

Hi Susan, I like to use various examples as well, especially grade wise, such as an A, B, C, D, and F example. Patricia

Hi Melissa, We also have to remember that respect goes two ways. We expect our students to respect us, and we should respect our students. Patricia

Hi Suzie, Respect is a two-way street. The students must respect the instructor, and the instructor must respect the student. Remember, we are all adults. Patricia

Hi Luis, Perception is everything. Students will judge us in many different ways as you have mentioned, such as dress, speech, nonverbal communications, classroom presentation, etc. Patricia