Category: Education Article

The Last Class Session: How to Make It Count

Education Article
Eliza

“First and last class sessions are the bookends that hold a course together.” I heard or read that somewhere—apologies to the source I can’t acknowledge. It’s a nice way to think about first and last class sessions. In general, teachers probably do better with the first class. There’s the excitement that comes with a new beginning. A colleague said it this way: “Nothing bad has happened yet.” Most of us work hard to make good first impressions. But by the time the last class rolls around, everyone is tired, everything is due, and the course sputters to an end amid an array of last-minute details. Here are a few ideas that might help us finish the semester with the same energy and focus we mustered for the first class.

Integrate the content

Bring it all together. You could integrate things for your students, but it’s better if they do it

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Appreciating Our Colleagues

Education Article
Eliza

This article first appeared in Maryellen Weimer’s blog in November 2009. © Magna Publications. All rights reserved.

I appreciate what my colleagues do for me.

I have colleagues who indulge my need to blow off steam. Some student behavior is nothing short of outrageous, some department policies are nothing short of senseless, some department heads are nothing other than shortsighted, and some colleagues never experience a shortage of pessimism. My best colleagues know when I need to rant; they listen and then gently encourage me to move on.

I have colleagues who help me understand when I don’t. I talk and they ask questions. I’ve learned to appreciate those colleagues who have more questions than answers—the ones who ask the questions I haven’t thought of, which often lead me to answers I haven’t considered.

I have colleagues who help me put things in perspective. Like many (dare I say all?)

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Taking Time to Refresh, Recharge, and Recommit

Education Article
Eliza

This article first appeared in the Teaching Professor on May 17, 2017. © Magna Publications. All rights reserved.

I continue to worry that we devalue the affective dimensions of teaching—the emotional energy it takes to keep delivering high-quality instruction.

Most faculty are on solid ground in terms of expertise. We know and, in most cases, love our content. We don’t get tired of it—oh, maybe we do a bit in those foundation courses, but the content isn’t what wears us down; it’s the daily grind, having to be there every class session, not just physically present but mentally and emotionally engaged as well. Good teaching requires more energy than we think it does.

I’m posting this because it is the end of the academic year, and many us are feeling tired and used up. That makes it a good time for a gentle reminder: take time to refresh. Whatever time

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Top 10 Qualities Of A Great Facilitator

Education Article
Eliza

Top 10 Qualities Of A Great Facilitator—Infographic

How to be a good facilitator

Internal facilitators can save time and reduce the complexity of getting an outside facilitator up-to-speed on your business, internal language, team members and nuance of operations. Just because they are a great leader doesn’t mean that they have all the qualities of good facilitator and can drive you to the desired outcome of your planning session.  At first glance, it appears a good move, so let me get you P-A-I-D U-P on the additional reasons to get your senior leaders out of the facilitation process:

P – Participation.  No one can fully participate in the process and discussions while also holding the duties of facilitating – no matter how good their skill. Using a facilitator who isn’t part of the session creates an “even” playing field, allowing all individuals to participate fully.

A – Accountable. Each participant

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An Excellent Addition to Any Student’s Toolkit

Education Article
Eliza

Students Under Stress

In recent years, there has been a definite increase in the pressure placed on students. Competition for jobs means that more emphasis rests on academic success than ever before. Greater fees for education exacerbates this: given that thousands of pounds might be invested in getting a degree, many students simply must succeed to stand a chance of paying for their education.

So, students are in search of ways to do better. While most rely on coffee to power their efforts, some are taken by a relatively new phenomenon: study drugs.

Distributed illegally and bought online, ‘study drugs’ are prescription medications (often Modafinil) that are used off-label to keep students awake, and ostensibly support their mental performance. These drugs can be dangerous, as they’re unregulated, may be adulterated, and can cause side-effects for students who take them. Furthermore, some can carry hefty fines or even prison time if …