Katherine Wagner

This module taught me how to work with the ebbs and flows in my energy to maximize productivity instead of trying to fight against it. I also like the idea of preloading my calendar for bigger projects. 

I learned the difference between coaching and directing. I also learned that there is an appropriate time for each of these to take place. 

I learned how to deconstruct constructive communication. Seeing it broken down into five steps (clarify, acknowledge/validate, express feelings, find common ground, offer solution) makes it much easier to move through the process of working through a problem with another person. I especially like the part where it said we don't want to leave the other person feeling defeated.

I took this Language, Culture, and Cognition class my final semester in college. There was a segment of the class where we were talking about how people typically describe arguments, such as "Argument is War." When we think of an argument as… >>>

I learned the underlying reasons for certain "effective questions" for the employer in an interview. I think my students could really benefit from this section. Most times, an applicant just wants to be hired without considering what's on the other side of accepting the offer. Investigating the organization they will be working for, to the best of their ability, is paramount to finding fulfillment in the workplace. Interviews are not just a time for the candidate to be investigated; they too have an opportunity to dig in, and certainly that places some of the power back in their seat. 

The section with the exercise students can do to "mine for gold" was great! Too often my students delete their previous work experience because they don't feel it is related to what they are currently pursuing. I remind them that there are transferrable skills in that history, no matter what their work experience was. This exercise seems like a really great way to help them look at previous experience and how it applies to different roles in a structured way (Previous Experience --> Duties/Responsibilities --> Qualities and/or Skills).

I learned some new avenues my tech students can explore job postings (ComputerJobs.com was my favorite new resource) and ways they can announce they are looking for a job (adding their resume or LinkedIn to their signature line) and expand their networks. 

I like that the module mentioned making the job search fun, like treasure hunting. Some of my students can get really discouraged in the process of applications and interviews. I try to give them perspective that helps them change the way they think about it, thereby changing the way they feel about it. Having a positive attitude can… >>>

I learned there is a certain balance required to keep students engaged in online discussions. You don't want to dominate their interactions by being overly involved, but you also don't want to be too far removed either. Highlighting good interactions and acknowledging students by name is a great way to encourage good behaviors to continue, and assigning students to lead discussions and online interactions is a great way to help them develop leadership skills. Essentially, how the Professor interacts in those spaces and the expectations he or she sets can really make a difference in how the students show up… >>>

I like that this module discussed the importance of understanding differences between the generations and considering the skills and maturity required for students to be successful in an online classroom. These factors do make a huge difference in how those individuals show up in online spaces. If I notice that someone is not responding well, perhaps they might need some technology assistance or some mentorship in that area that I can offer to them. 

In my experience, being able to choose the correct type of communication is an essential skill for this type of position. If I need to discuss something that is more time sensitive, I may not want to communicate through email because responses take time to go back and forth. I may instead choose to call the person and simply follow up with an email to summarize and document any important information that was discussed during the phone call. This allows the person to acknowledge the key points of discussion, accept any plan of action, or correct me if I misunderstood… >>>

I really love the Response Sequence section. When properly followed, this type of response acknowledges an individual on several layers (presence, emotion, thought, and concern) and gives them a deeper sense of value (you matter!). In my experience, this type of communication allows the person to shift more quickly into a cooperative and constructive frame of mind, where you can then begin working towards solutions together. When this type of communication is absent, the individual tends to feel like they can't move to the next stage of problem solving because they are not seen.