Heather Clifford

I learned about delivery methods in presenting new material.  To walk around the room and make eye contact with each student so they know they are important.  I also learned to minimize figeting and annoying behaivor while teaching because it is distracting.  I can always record the session so that I can assess how I am doing as an instructor and make improvements.

This section emphasizes the grading system for students and I do not grade students so I am unable to apply this in my current practice.  I do believe it was helpful information in case I do move over to a different area of teaching where I do have to grade the students.  I know that their are different systems to grade students and the issues with the weight of certain projects, test and papers.  

This segment focuses on real-time assessments of student's learning of material.  I already do real-time assessments but now I have tools to help the students with issues of content.  I do not teach a theory course but if I did, I could always have the students complete a pretest to help understand their deficiencies.  

I need to adjuct my powerpoint lectures to better accomodate student learning.  I do have a lot of print on these slides and I need to reduce the amount.  I like the idea of using flip charts in the classroom as well for student brainstorming.  We could use these during our nursing simulations.

I think that learning common mistakes of new instructors was important.  I only wish I started this certification tutorials earlier.  After two years, I understand the common mistakes of new instructors because I have made them.  I do like the recommendation of taking notes on your classes to assess how you are doing and making necessary changes.

I learned how to manage all types of challenging student behaivors like cheating, disruption, and silent students.  If I have an angry student, I know to take them aside and listen to them.  But I also need to get administration involved if I can't resolve it.

I really needed to learn this information on managing challenging behavior of students.  I have a hard time managing some of the behavior in classes.  I learned how to manage students who are inattentive by calling on them more or making them responsible for after a lecture by using a minute paper.  What a good way for students to summarize what they learned and also provide motivation for them to learn and pay attention.  I have had an occasional student who misbehaved during class and I had a little difficulty with dealing with this issue.  I know that first I… >>>

I see that the instructor clearly outlines the class and expectations and it is helpful for the students.  I also like learning the buy in.  Something that I do for the students.  This is how I motivate them.  I am not teaching them something that is just required.  I am teaching them skills and knowledge that will help them excel in their career.  So, before I start class I tell them this.  I like the paper airplane activity as an icebreaker and a way to help students to understand teamwork.  

Choosing your assessment tool is important to reliably find what the student learn.  The section on creating test was interesting but I don't believe instructors should create their own tests.  There could be bias when making your own tests.

I liked learning about critical thinking applications and how to develop this skill.  It is essential for nursing students to be able to critically think and I liked how this section broke down the process of critical thinking.  I also like the information on values and ethics.  That should be instilled in every class discussion.  You will not go far in any career without values or ethics.