Christie Morley

As a new instructor I am grateful to be learning these methods of active learning. That way I can incorporate them into my methods from the beginning instead of having to add them into an already set pattern of teaching. I will try to use the discussion method of lecturing each class and try to come up with creative ways to have my students use the information that we cover that day. This will help my student's to retain more of what they are learning.

Instructors of active learning settings must think out some creative and active assignments for the students to learn from. The student's must be actively thinking through the activity and not just copying things down. There should be critical and analytical thinking going on. Lecture is easier for the instructor to prepare but it doesn't teach as much to the students that are passively receiving the information or not even paying attention. 

The students' perceptions of an instructor start as soon as they meet you. Try to maintain a professional image of competence to earn their respect. Don't be too nice or too mean, just even keeled and fair. One must control the time and energy of the classroom to maintain authority. Being over prepared and having some activities on hand to revive the energy after a lecture or stressful test. Don't treat your class as therapy and tell them your problems, or try to be too friendly with them. These behaviors can diminish the authority that you have in the classroom. 

I have learned that I must consider that a student issue may stem from my own inadequacies as a teacher or a bias that I might not be aware of. I must be sure to assess my own performance when my students are struggling. I also realize that many students may try to manipulate my sweet nature and use my trust to gain favors or try and cheat on the assessments. I know that I must clarify all expectations at the beginning of class and be responsible on my end for timelines and grades so that the students don't get… >>>

The information on how to handle disruptive and inattentive students is very helpful. It is useful to use body language during the lecture to incorporate the students into the conversation. I like the idea of a minute paper to test the attentiveness of the students during the lecture. The problem of over achievers in class can cause bad morale for the other students and it is good to have methods to control their contributions by giving them additional purpose or limiting them through question cards. 

I have learned that at the beginning of a  course the students want to understand what they will expect to have to do to suceed in the class. The need to have the details laid out before them. They need to have a syllabus that is easy to read with the key elements made bold and colorful. They need to have a calendar with all the due dates of assignments visible. This will take away many excuses they may try about not knowing. It will help to ease student anxiety about a course if they have ample time to ask… >>>

I have learned that there are notable exceptions to FERPA rules including the office of homeland security being able to request records of students without requiring documentation of the disclosure. That is interesting and kind of scary. 

There are many aspects of student records to consider. It is important to have this sort of training to understand how to handle the requests that are made for student records by lots of different entities everyday. 

It is important to document the instances of record sharing and the reason for the information being requested. There must be a clear reason that those not directly involved with a student need to access the information. If there is any doubt about the need to know the student should be asked to sign a consent for to release the information. 

FERPA is a government regulation protecting the rights of student's educational records. All student information should be protected and is released on a strict need to know basis. The student has a right to opt out of any public disclosure of information and the penalties for violation of the law can lead to penalties for the educational institution.