Sarah Towne

This module emphasized how being fully prepared via planning and arranging class activities and structure can really help to put both Instructors and students at ease with the learning environment, thus ensuring the whole process of the course runs smoothly and with good communication between an instructor and his or her students. 

I love the advice to be authentic. How can students trust that the material we are teaching is sound if they feel we aren't being our true selves in the classroom? The idea of constantly reflecting and revising our methods as we gain more experience also seems especially important. I think the best learning environment is one in which EVERYONE--including the instructor--is constantly growing and evolving, and the lesson in this module seems to be that leading by example, both intellectually and professionally, is vital.

Understanding how the state regulatory laws work, as well as the state's policies for ethical behavior and appropriate training for all faculty and employees is essential to a successful occupational education institution. The emphasis on compliance as it relates to aspects such as the necessary separation of duties between departments, which helps avoid conflicts of interest, was new to me, but really well-explained here.

I appreciated how this module emphasized the importance of clear, unambiguous communication in all of our school literature and documents. The rules for catalogs in particular are very clearly defined and add to my understanding of all the possible issues surrounding a prospective student's decision whether or not to choose our school. This gave me some new knowledge of the depth of consideration students must give to the decision of whether to pursue education at our institution. 

It is essential to be completely honest and not attempt to mislead any student about the nature of any program or prospective employment opportunities that may be available after completion of the program. A school representative should never make guarantees about any job or other institution because it undermines the integrity of the school and goes against state regulations.

This topic/learning module helped reinforce the importance of the kind of honesty, transparency, and respect we owe our students as a post-secondary educational institution. I learned about how compliance with school policy, as well as federal and state laws, is essential for the continued success of the programs and school as a whole, and how vital it is to have the correct information when responding to student questions and concerns. This will make me ensure that I am always checking with others in my organization if I am ever unsure how to address any situations that arise with students, especially… >>>