Sharon Haynes

I agree, Chanda. Not all students come in with strong critical thinking skills, so it’s important to create assignments that gradually build them up. Scaffolding and real-world examples can really help students see the value in developing these skills.

I appreciate reading everyone's perspectives on adaptive learning—it’s clear there are many layers to consider. Like some of you, I find the concept both intriguing and a bit daunting. I’m genuinely curious about the potential of apps like DreamBox Learning, Knowji, and Elsevier Adaptive Learning, especially since they offer personalized learning experiences and are backed by substantial research.

At the same time, I share concerns about the growing influence of major corporations in shaping educational tools. It's hard not to question whether the investment is purely educational or profit-driven. I think Peter Foster makes a solid point about seeking feedback… >>>

While adaptive learning holds promise for personalized, efficient education, it must be balanced with human-centered teaching practices. Teachers bring not only knowledge but emotional intelligence, cultural understanding, and mentorship—qualities that technology alone cannot replicate.

Educators are not resisting innovation—they’re advocating for responsible integration that preserves the relational core of teaching. As Thomas Luong would agree, evolving classrooms must still ground themselves in real human connection, even as the tools and methods change.

Adaptive learning presents a promising path toward more inclusive and responsive education. While implementation may require investment and restructuring, the benefits—especially in terms of student engagement, pacing, and individualized support—make it a powerful tool for modern educators. Its success depends not only on the technology or model itself but also on thoughtful integration into the classroom.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Understand and manage your own emotions
Empathize with students and clients
Create a positive, respectful learning environment
Communication Skills

Speak clearly and listen actively
Adapt your message to different people and situations
Use nonverbal cues effectively
Time Management

Prioritize tasks
Start and end classes on time
Balance teaching, prep, and personal growth
Adaptability

Stay flexible with unexpected changes
Adjust teaching styles for different learners
Keep up with industry trends and tools
Conflict Resolution

Manage misunderstandings calmly
Mediate between students or team members
Encourage collaboration over confrontation
Confidence

Own your expertise without arrogance
Inspire students by being poised… >>>

Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills are very important to keep in mind for student and the instructors building effective communication and a positive mindset is an important tool for yourself and student's. 

This module really clarified for me that assessments aren't just about assigning grades—they’re tools that help measure true understanding, identify gaps, and guide instruction. I appreciated the clear breakdown of different question formats and their strengths and limitations (John Hennings, Aidan McFall). For example, multiple-choice questions with more than one correct answer require extra care to avoid confusion and ensure fairness (Andrew Gradall).

What stood out most is the emphasis on validity and reliability (Frances Diaz, Mark Galan). Assessments must accurately measure what students are supposed to be learning—not just what’s easy to grade. That includes aligning assessments with the… >>>

This module helped me broaden my understanding of assessment as more than just tests and grades. Effective assessment is really about gauging understanding, supporting growth, and improving instruction. Like many of you shared, it’s important to choose the right kind of assessment for the learning objective (Frances Diaz, Matt McGilberry).

I especially liked learning about Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs) like the minute paper, knowledge probe, and punctuated lectures (Aidan McFall, Julian Watson). These low-stakes tools give immediate insight into student comprehension and help instructors adjust their teaching in real time. I plan to use these weekly to stay responsive to… >>>

This module helped me realize how powerful purposeful questioning can be—not just for checking understanding, but for deepening learning, encouraging reflection, and building classroom engagement. I appreciated what many of you shared, especially the emphasis on wait time (Katina Young). Increasing both Wait Time 1 and Wait Time 2 allows students to process the question and each other’s answers more thoughtfully, leading to more meaningful discussions.

One key insight was that wrong answers aren’t failures—they’re opportunities (Aidan McFall, Shantelle Boudreau). Encouraging students to try, even if they’re unsure, helps build a risk-tolerant environment where learning is the focus. I also… >>>

One of the most important takeaways from this module is that students bring a wide range of learning preferences into the classroom—visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic—and it’s our responsibility as educators to recognize and respond to that diversity. Like many of you mentioned (Gema Herrera, Katina Young, Mark Galan), it’s easy to default teaching in the style we learn best ourselves, but that can unintentionally leave some students behind.

What really stood out to me was the reminder that even small adjustments—like offering movement breaks, allowing doodling or chewing gum for kinesthetic learners (Aidan McFall), or incorporating more visuals and… >>>