Terry Miller

About me

This was my first experience with on-line learning and I found it quite enjoyable. While I have spent nearly 30 years in my chosen field, any advice from teaching colleagues is certainly welcome. I love teaching and I continue to be amazed at the different things I have learned from my students. I love using humor in the classroom and find it is a great ice-breaker in those difficult classes. Probably the hardest area for me to comprehend is the lack of motivation I witness in some students. I'm very open to finding out what approaches instructors are utilizing in this area, especially at a time when the economy is tough and employers demand the very best.

Activity

Terry Miller

Blog Comment

adaptive learning

I was pleasantly surpised by ED123. The concept of individualized learning certainly needs to be considered in ones' classroom. It might not fit in all places, but certainly could be a valuable piece of the puzzle as we continue to work with students and hope they are successful.

Terry Miller

Discussion Comment

Power Points Verses Writting On The Board

Never been a big fan of power points. Students stare at the screen and forget you're there. I use the white board to clarify my lecture material. In my hands-on classes, I put the days' activities on the board prior to start of class.

Terry Miller

Discussion Comment

110

Thoroughly enjoyed the "Stress and time management" course. Stress hits us in so many ways, including the classroom and personal life. I learned thru the course that I am an "immediacy" person and changes need to be made. I'm also working diligently to minimize stress by working out regularly and eating healthy. Also, no matter how hectic things get, I never lose my sense of humor. It gets me thru the toughest days. Great course, lots of good ideas for personal improvement.

Terry Miller

Discussion Comment

Personal stress

I found this module very enlightening on a personal basis. Lately, financial worries have created a lot of stress for me which in turn has effected personal and professional relationships. This stress has caused sleeplessness, headaches and other assorted physical problems. It's also become a test on my sense of humor, which has helped me through many tough times. Physically, I continue to work out regularly and eat healthy but the financial stress wins out at times.

Terry Miller

Discussion Comment

ED 109

@gdlabach : ED 109 was enlightening and defenitely made me aware of changes I need to make in the classroom. My teaching style has been centered on my ability to 'wing it' on most occasions and trust my industry knowlege to present material. ED 109 demonstrated the utility of concepts such as lesson plans, notes, alternative technology,etc. While I feel confident in my ability to connect with students, ED 109 offers me a richer variety of educations tools at hand.

Terry Miller

Discussion Comment

Lesson plans

I've come to value the importance of utilizing lesson plans especially when I am teaching a relatively new class or when filling in as a sub. My past tendency was to 'wing it' and trust my ad lib skills. But class content changes with time and I have found that preparation i.e lesson plans aids me in presenting course work and also in handling student questions. You can never be over-prepared for class.

Terry Miller

Discussion Comment

ED117

It was interesting to learn about the different age groups and their approach to education . As a baby boomer, I find it both rewarding and challenging in teaching mostly Gen y students. They truly are multi-taskers and more than embrace new technology. They work well together and usually create a positive classroom setting. They appear to enjoy when I relate my professional experience to them and they often ask many follow up questions which leads to meaningful discussion. As i had stated earlier, I have found a comfort zone with their use of technology, but it will never take… >>>

Terry Miller

Discussion Comment

Immediate feedback

In my hands-on studio classes,I like to provide feedback to the students as soon as their assignment concludes. The majority of the feedback tends to be positive,but I do sprinkle in some constructive criticism if a student had a particularly tough day. My students look forward to these sessions and I enjoy meeting with them while their work is still fresh.

Terry Miller

Discussion Comment

self discovery

I teach primarily 'hands-on' courses in my field and what I enjoy witnessing most is when my students 'get it'. This personal discovery works wonders for their self-esteem and is better than any feedback I can give them. I treasure those days when I observe a student and from our eye contact know the 'light is now on'.

Terry Miller

Discussion Comment

Humor in the classroom

I've always valued the use of humor in the classroom, be it initiated by instructor or student. Tension,nerves tend to run high at critical points of the quarter,and I believe its essential to 'lighten' things up. I like to open class with a humorous topic that is familiar to my students and I hope they respond in similar fashion.

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