R Lee Viar IV

Discussion Comment

I always attempt to form a linkage between previous experiences and the new concepts and ideas being introduced in the classroom. However, I have found at times, this recollection process can produce negative results based upon the recalled memories and experiences. Has this happened to anyone else?

R Lee Viar IV

Discussion Comment

Extra Credit

Personally, I have always utilized extra credit as both a reward for students doing well and for those that are legitimately trying, but still falling short. The motivation this provides those students is excellent and typically the students take full advantage of the opportunity.

R Lee Viar IV

Discussion Comment

Pretesting Learners

I am in favor of pretesting learners for one primary purpose. I have heard too many times that learners get frustrated because they are not ready for a particular course and subsequently, the learners merely figure that the college is attempting to get more money out of them. What are your thoughts on this?

R Lee Viar IV

Discussion Comment

PowerPoint Pitfalls

I attended a training conference with an excellent PowerPoint Presentation. However, the problem is that presentation lasted over 90 minutes and consisted of over 50 slides. It was more like a motion picture than a PPT presentation. All of the attendees were totally overwhelmed by the end, including myself.

R Lee Viar IV

Discussion Comment

Guest Speaker Pitfalls

I have had some wonderful experiences with guest speakers over the years. However, I had one experience where the guest speaker decided to totally deviate from the topic and actually created extra work for me later by trying to explain some of the issues and topics he brought up that really was not in line with what the textbook and ethical principles went by. I still use guest speakers, but I am always a little nervous.

R Lee Viar IV

Discussion Comment

Stress Relievers

Based upon what I have learned from this module, I intend on giving stretching a try. I have never really stretched besides before and after exercise. I am hopeful this will help, as long as I don't pull something and that will really stress me out. Kind Regards, Lee

R Lee Viar IV

Discussion Comment

The Focus on Stress

It may sound ironic, but I work around individuals that all they focus on is stress and how it is caused and how to avoid it, in all honesty, that is stressing me out. I agree stress is all around us, but the lengths some individuals will go to causes other people significant amounts of stress. If I have to listen to one more relaxation CD I think I will go crazy. Has this happened to anyone else? Kind Regards, Lee

R Lee Viar IV

Discussion Comment

Grading Tied to Student Evaluations

I have taught, past tense, at universities where the student's evaluation of the instructor was a primary factor in that instructor gaining tenure and being offered a contract. I believe that student feedback is important for the instructor to grow and become a more effective and efficient instructor. However, not every student is going to agree with the outcome of a course and their grade. Hence the instructor receives a poor student evaluation and the chance exists for the lose of a faculty position. I do not believe this should be the case. What are your thoughts on this? Kind… >>>

R Lee Viar IV

Discussion Comment

Its Just a Matter of Time

That precious resource called time never seems to be on our side. The manner in which we manage it is the key to our success or ultimate failure. However, I have found that those times that I may "deviate" from my task at hand in many instances are productive. Is staying on task important? Of course it is, but as long as we make the most of our limited resource of time, we are the better for it. Kind Regards, Lee

R Lee Viar IV

Discussion Comment

Its Not About the Technology

I believe that anyone can learn the technology necessary to succeed. The mentality is that any student can learn and adapt to the course platform. However, I find it amazing that many instructors bulk at learning new learning platforms. Why are instructors immune from learning new material or technical abilities? What are your thoughts on this?