Alissa Zuebert

Title IX and VAWA both exist to allow both students and faculty/staff to learn and work in an environment free from harassment and/or violence.  I am glad that these are in place and designed to allow people to be able to learn and/or work in an environment regardless of their race, gender, orientation, and nationality.

Being the subject matter expert is a plus (however remember there could be a student in your class that has more expertise than you), allowing your students to know you are human and also make mistakes.  The key to making any mistake is not only owning that mistake but also learning from it.  Finding the ways to engage your class which may be different from class to class.

This chapter went into engaging students that for some reason or another does not engage during class and the different ways to go about doing this such as asking opion questions, writing their answers on 3x5 cards or even a 60 second term paper.  Also using  REFOCUS: Recognize, Empower, Focus, Objective, Commit, Unburden, & Surprise (use this to regain momentum that may have been lost approaching the middle of the term.

You need to learn your students to understand them and by understanding them you can find out the best way they learn.  Developing a rapport with them is also helpful in understanding the way they learn.

My belief was re-enforced on this topic, it also took me back to my days as a student (not so long ago) and made me think about why I was attending school.  Understanding the why is just as important as any other aspect of the student to me.  What motivates people is very different for everyone.

There are many teaching styles and by choosing different styles you can reach as many students as possible.  Be sure to practice and go over in order to be more comfortable.

It is important to get to know your students especially knowing their names.  It is also important to allow your students to know who you are and that you are a human being not just an instructor.

I have learned the importance of ensuring early preparation and the importance of a clear and concise syllabus to set the climate for the class.

Comment on Laura Hogins's post: I agree learning is the most important part of education.

Lead by example, you cannot hold your students accountable if they are just following bad habits shown by you.  Always look for ways to improve and grow and never be afraid of asking for any insight from your fellow instructors.