Laura Ellis

Laura Ellis CHEP

Blog Comment

Hi John,

I have found that my peers and I support each other and that helps me with stress, espcially when we are going full-bore in a term, with exams, grading, administration expectations, etc. This is more than just a "gripe session." We take time out to support each other and talk about ways to deal with situations, classroom management, and difficult students, etc. Several of the faculty members in our department are very experienced and are good at listening or sharing advice to assist with an issue.

Taking time away from campus is also critical. Sometimes I need to… >>>

Laura Ellis CHEP

Blog

Angry Students

One of the techniques that was presented for angry students was to listen without interrupting, but to also take notes while the student is talking. I am going to try this. I find angry students to be the most difficult students to work with, especially if their expectations for resolution are not realistic. I also liked the suggestion about asking the student about their idea for a solution. It gives the chance for discussion about a solution that will work within the school's or department policies.

Laura Ellis CHEP

Discussion Comment

Teamwork

I teach in a health care profession where students will be working together as a team to do patient care. I teach a basic skills course and about a year ago, I changed a paper the students had to write at the beginning of the course into a group activity. My rationale was to give the students an opportunity to meet and start interacting with each other. The assignment drives them to learn to work with each other to meet the assignment objectives. I see it as a start to the teamwork they will eventually be doing later in the… >>>

Laura Ellis CHEP

Blog

Handling Late Assignments

It is noted in one of the courses I teach, that no late homework is accepted. I have made exceptions in emergency situations, but the syllabus does not state that exceptions can be made. I would like to hear how other instructors handle late assignments.

Laura Ellis CHEP

Discussion Comment

Call your students by their names

It has been my experience that students feel valued when I take the time to learn their names. It helps build the relationship between instructor and student.

Laura Ellis CHEP

Blog

Didactic Classroom

I am seeking effective didactic activities to enhance and breakup tedious didactic lecture for nursing.

Laura Ellis CHEP

Blog

Reflection

After completing this course, I am reflecting on areas that I can eliminate or reduce stress. I am an "immediacy" instructor. I am also fighting the urge to not constantly check my email or voicemail. I like the idea of having designating one or two times per day to deal with email. I also need to limit and communicate to my students when it is okay to contact me after hours or on weekends.

Laura Ellis CHEP

Discussion Comment

Cell Phones in the classroom

@kquillen

Cell phones seems to be an ongoing issue at our school and is frequently the topic of discussion amongst myself and my peers. Our school has a no cell phone policy in the classroom and especially not in clinical for the nursing students. Currently what I do, is go over the policy one the first day of class. If I see a student with a cell phone while I am lecturing or during a class activity, I quietly move to that student and direct them to put the phone away. If I have a repeat offender, I ask the… >>>