Casey O'Leary

Taking care to make eye contact with each student every day is important. 

I have improved my multiple choice test writing questions over the years, but I still have lots of room for improvement! 2 things I learned: avoid giving additional information (teaching) in the test question, and put the terminology/vocab in the question and the definition in the answer. I often do that in reverse. 

It is important to incorporate formative assessments and CATs to make sure students are actually learning what they need to learn. It allows you to modify and course correct in real time. 

The importance of pausing (stretching time a bit) during question asking and answering. I am a quick thinker and I have noticed that certain students will more quickly respond. By allowing more time between asking a question and calling on a student, I'm encouraging folks who need a couple more seconds to feel more welcome to participate. 

That last page had a lot of interesting ideas about how to creatively incorporate different learning styles. I will remember that at any given time, I'm reaching 50% of the students with my methods, and that the other 50% might need additional support to get that material. 

I haven't given much thought to how or whether I could incorporate problem-solving or case studies into my lectures. I'm excited to think more about that! 

This was helpful for me to remember to put myself in the students' shoes and think about exactly what I would want to walk away with on day 1 of class. I will be making sure I hit all of those things day 1 (They know where we're going & how we'll get there, they know their peers, they know I care about their learning, and they think the course will be valuable and enjoyable).

Share the overarching goals and objectives with the class on day 1, so that everyone feels clear on what they'll be doing in class. 

This module really drilled home the importance of being in the classroom and ready early, so that you can do the small talk then and get right to the teaching when it's time to start. 

I appreciated the reminder that you don't have to do everything perfectly when showing up to support someone in crisis. All you have to do is listen carefully and seek to understand where they are at and what they need. You also don't have to fix their crisis.