Lisa Jordan

Graphic organizers are a great way to help veteran students with PTSD and/or TBI stay on task with note taking, organizing information, and connecting to themselves. As an instructor changing the flow of the classroom every 15-20 minutes offers time for these students to take in the information and not feel rushed. It offers time for them to sit with it and offer their own explanation especially if the teacher offers a Q&A session afterwards. 

Learning that TBI's are the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. was surprising. I would have thought cancer, heart isssues, etc. Depression being the leading symptom of TBI's is something I have already noticed in some of my students. The course is helping identify ways to support these folks the best I can so they can have a successful experience at my school. 

The facts on TBI and PTSD and how they counteract each other is startling. When a person is diagnosed with both, it is a difficult task for medical personnel to distinguish which symptom relates to which diagnosis. 

I was a victim advocate for domestic abuse and sexual assault victims and survivors. I have experienced vicarious trauma. I had acquired the tools necessary to stay in that field for as long as I did. Currently, I am in a teaching position and have recognized signs of PTSD in some of my students. I feel my background is helpful in supporting my students and understanding their individual behaviors. 

I like the idea of mini lectures consisting of 15-18 minutes. This allow students the opportunity to not only learn the content but also retain it. 

I plan to use the 3 M's modeling, managing, and motivating in my classroom. I believe these aspects will support my students in their learning and feeling comfortable. 

I plan to use the instructional objectives in my teaching. I find the list of audience, behavior, condition and degree to be useful components in the classroom. 

I think the three components of a competent instructor are vital in the success as an instructor but also with one's peers as well. 

Offering too much extra credit can defeat the purpose. Be mindful of how you offer extra credit and apply it as an incentive to understand the material better. 

Having a plan B strategy is vital while teaching. If the class is disengaged it is important to have a backup plan to reengage your students. Remembering that there are four main learning styles, and you need to have content that depicts all four.