Deborah Rasmussen

Comment on Francisco Gonzalez's post: 

I assign different topics to different groups and then have them give a presentation. While the students are talking I take notes on the white board for review purposes. Also, if the group forgets important points I am able to add the information so that the entire class learns. 

Comment on Kelly Staveley's post: 

I think floating around the classroom is very helpful. The students pay more attention to what I am saying and if there are students not paying attention.... hiding their cell phones etc. I am able to intervene and redirect them back to the topic. 

Comment on Kasey Wade's post: 

The information and videos helped me to better understand the role and usefulness of gamification. I would like to see more information about how to do this in complex theory classes. 

Comment on Yvonne Silva's post: 

Having a positive attitude is very important for the educator and the students. The instructor/educator has a great deal of influence over the students, smiling, being welcoming, and adding fun to class makes a tremendous difference for everyone. 

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.