Roberta Vedders

Be a better active listener without interrupting conversation of others.

Mostly this section was a review as well as a challenge to have a servant's heart.

During an interview, soft skills are recognized and often more important than the degrees or other accolades a person possesses.

In my life, I have met many intelligent persons who can barely make it in life.

I appreciate the section on dyslexia and the illustration given as to how they see written content. My stepbrother has dyslexia. He is super intelligent. I understand his world better.

No more than 5-7 new words at a time. Define words. Give examples. Help students see the new words in context.

Learning experience:

Care needs taken when assigning weight of projects. One time I weighted the project 10% and a student passed the course that did not pass any unit exams. After that, I weighted it 5%.

Prior to student presentations I had each member of each student submit a rubric I created with a 1-5 scale to rate each student's participation including their own. Most often each person in the group received the same grade. If I saw a pattern of low participation by a certain student, a couple points would be subtracted.

Regarding monitoring the classroom, in a previous job I spoke during break to a student. I said, "Hello______how are you doing?"

She got scared and I asked her why. She responded that teachers do not usually speak to her. I shared that I speak with everyone. She began participating in class. 

I appreciate the instruction on use of hands and facial expressions in teaching. My brother lives with me and is deaf and mute. We have a deaf ministry at our church in which I serve. When communicating with the hearing impaired, the American Sign Language includes the hand signs, facial expressions, and acting. One young girl who used to interpret had absolutely no facial expression changes. I found it very distracting because the sermons and music interpreted was rich with feelings.

I appreciate the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. This will help me focus on best ways to help students. Going through this portion of the course, I realize anew how many right things the organization I work within is doing. I am proud to teach hers.