Alexis Ulseth

In this section of the program, we learned about communicating with students. This involves not only our own sense of communication, but also the behavior and personality of our students. One thing I liked was that it broke down personality types, such as "quiet" and gave suggestions on how to interact with those students in particular. It also discussed the ways to deal with emails and responding in appropriate times and keeping records of assignments and communication. 

In this section, we read about the best ways to foster engagement and participation in synchronous and asynchronous discussions. I think the best way to really engage with students is face-to-face, but that may not always be possible in an online setting. Therefore, when it is done, it should be done with one student at a time, or in small groups with time allowed at the beginning and end for socialization and closing remarks. For asynchronous, it might allow for more participation from each person, at their own pace. However, it is important that you participate, as the instructor, in… >>>

In this section, I read about how to form connections with your students and how those connections will allow for a greater learning experience. It suggested posting a paragraph or two about your credentials and also something about who you are as a person (hobbies, etc.). Then, in return, your students should tell you a little about who they are. Some things that I like to do are ask, "How did you come to realize you wanted to enter this career path?" or "What keeps you motivated?" This lets me know a little about them, but also lets my students… >>>

In this section of the course, I read about how I must have a full grasp on how the learning management system works as well as how I want to/am expected to teach the learners. I would like to have the same relationship with an online class as I would with learners in a traditional setting. Because my course is set up for me already, I have to find ways to make it more personal and a better fit for my students. 

One thing that I learned from this section of the course is that ALL students are capable of being successful with the proper support. One good thing to ask students with disabilities is how they were able to be most successful in the past. What I have found in my teaching career is that sometimes students with disabilities do not feel comfortable advocating for themselves. One student that I have had in the past who had dyslexia had an easier time if I printed my work for her on a colored paper! What an easy fix; I just had to… >>>

In this section of the training, we discussed ELL students. One thing that I liked being pointed out was that although we need to meet learners at their level, we cannot reduce the content that we are supposed to be teaching. It is required so that they can be successful at either the next class or in their career. I also like how it pointed out that the way we might be teaching ELL students (like a breakdown of vocabulary), may benefit all students, such as those with lower levels in reading. 

I learned, in this section, how important group work is. One thing that I thought was interesting was that the suggestion was randomized groups. I think this would be a good idea at an adult level because it gives a level of diversity and various levels of background information. It was also interesting to hear that it is not suggested to change their groups, even upon request. This makes sense because adults will have to work with people they don't always agree with or like in the "real world." Finally, I like that the group suggestion was 6-8 people. I… >>>

From this part of the lesson, I recognize some things that I am doing well and some things I could work on. For instance, I do well making eye contact because I am familiar with my students and have a good relationship with them. However, I do tend to fidget, just because of who I am as a person. I could possibly solve this by carrying around a note card, even if I do not have anything on it! It may just be helpful to have something in my hand. I also need to ensure that I am allowing wait… >>>

In this first module, we have learned about how to both engage and motivate learners. I think that this will be helpful for the hybrid course I am about to start teaching. I am excited to begin! One strategy I plan on using a lot is communication. This hits both engagement and motivation as by discussing things with learners, I am engaging them and helping to motivate them. Two examples on how I plan on engaging them is through effective feedback and reminders. I also plan on bringing a part of me to the course to show that I am… >>>