Suzanne Campoli

As a nursing instructor, I didn't really think about persons with disabilities. I equated disability as someone who can't hear, see, walk, etc. I never took into account the student with ADHD or mental health issues. I am incorporating various means of teaching so that I try to hit as many learning preferences as possible. My lectures include PowerPoint, videos, question games, and case studies. After reading this, I am going to make the transcripts of our lectures available to students.

Beginning the lecture with something that will grab the students' attention. Having been a nurse for 27 years and serving on the Critical Response Team, I have a lot of stories. I will use my stories that are pertinent to the subject matter as an opening. If I don't have a story, I'll do some research to find an obscure fact.

I learned how to create a syllabus and what one should include. It was helpful to read so that I can make a checklist of everything needed to be included so that nothing is left out. Seeing the teaching environment as students see it is also useful, as is keeping a notepad handy for any needs or student information.

Having a plan for professional development is something that I hadn't thought of, but very good advice.