Barbara Kitchens

Staying in touch with students that have graduated is very important. The first year after graduating is scary for them because they are still not very sure about how things are going to be out in the work world. Sending a reminder to them is a great way to encourage them and give them the confidence they need to persevere through any obstacle they encounter. It is definitely a technique I will be using in my classroom.

I am a person who likes to try new things and I love the section I read about shifting your focus. Realizing that students learn in different ways and doing something about it is what teachers should be doing on a continuous basis. There is something new that can be learned everyday. However, when others who are not as opened minded about change try to discourage that teacher, what can a teacher do to stay excited and motivated about being a part of the students educational journey?

Afer reading this section it has become increasingly clear that I need to find out what kind of learner I am. I have learned that teachers tend to teach the way they are taught. I realize that I need to change my whole mind set about the way I am teaching in order to educate my self as well as my students.

I love the analogy of each character and what motivates them to learn. I think instructors should determine how their students learn at the beginning of their educational journey and then use that information to enhance their learning experience. Is there a specific test the students can take to deterimine which catagory they fall into? If so where can I find those resources?

If an instructor is not willing to step out of their comfort zone to learn something new that instructor will never grow as an educator. If I see that a technique I am using to teach my students is not working I will find a different way to reach them. I also ask the students to think of new ways that might help them learn a new skill or technique. It helps them to feel their opinion matters and it keeps them involved in the class.

Encouraging students to develope songs, acronyms or poems are great ways for them to learn skill sets and anatomy. Medical students benefit more from exercises like these because they really associate with that kind type of learning style. It works great!

Students sometimes experience a cultural shock when they are placed in a clinical environment. How do instructors prepare them for dealing with employees in the clinical setting? Especially those who are not student friendly.

I like the analogy of the teaching wheel. Helping students to remember where suupplies are kept and also what the supplies are that are needed for certain procedures is benefical for the students and their patients.