Suzanne Tytler

Thank you for the many helpful strategies in dealing with potential disruptions in the classroom. I can see ways of adapting some of these ideas when interacting with a smaller group of students. Super helpful :)

The four management styles were interesting - being an Apathete is not what I aspire to!! I bounce between controller and buddy; thus more of a guide; however, I can see where I can increase some of the characteristics for either style as needed. 

You provided a good reminder that just because students are working on an activity, that does not permit the instructor to not interact with students. I found myself trying to attend to all of the groups and the timing for the activity would be done! I have also seen instructors be in the computer not engaging with students. 

The planning stage is key. I appreciate how you listed the six steps. For instance, if I do not know who students will work with, the rest of the activity could easily fall apart. The type of classroom is also conducive to active learning strategies. If students are sitting at a table and tables can be moved together, they can draw a concept to then see if their classmates can determine the concept. But this type of activity is harder to do in a lecture-style theatre. 

The tips and tricks were especially helpful. It is good to know the pros and cons of each testing method. From the students' perspective, having a balance of testing methods taps into the ways they learn best. 

It was validating to read that assessing students for their ability to critically think, demonstrate ethical reasoning, etc. is challenging! That is something I have felt for years but to be reassured 'it is not just me' helps :)

Thank you for the examples of how to respond to students when the answer is partially correct or not correct at all. I sometimes fumbled when this happened, so having these examples is helpful. 

I appreciated the reminder that with whatever style I may be using at the time, I am only reaching 50-60% of the class. This will motivate me to incorporate other styles of learning.