Shari Smith

Location: pennsylvania

About me

I'm a part of the adjunct faculty that teaches Medical Assitants their building blocks of Terminology and A & P level 1. I also teach hands on clinicals, everything from learning how to correctly wash your hands to performing EKGs. I, myself, am a medical assistant. I am also in the final year of obtaining my BSN in Nursing.

I am relatively new to my position as an instructor. October 2013 is my second semester teaching, and I LOVE it! I love helping others, it's the entire reason I went into the medical field to begin with. To be able to help mold and educate our future up and coming Medical Assistants is a fabulous opportunity that I am beyond graterful to a part of.

Interests

art; music; volunteering; loving my grandchildren!

Skills

hands on patient care; phlebotomy; clinical skills, pharmacology, computer savvy

Activity

Shari Smith

Blog

ED 109

I had such a problem with this one. Is it just me? I tried to take it, it kicked me out, reloaded it as finished and with a failed score. I only finished half of it. Maybe it's my internet....

Shari Smith

Discussion Comment

lesson plans

I have never implemented using a daily lesson plan, per se. I write out my course outline/syllabi and we review that on the first day of class. There is a calendar for review of how and what we will be covering and the time line involved. I do state that at any time this can change, pending time constraints, weather, etc. It has worked out quite well for me. Is there anything I am missing by NOT doing a daily lesson plan?

Shari Smith

Blog

ED310 Medical Terminology

GREAT course! I highly recommend it for those teaching Medical Terminology. I have searched for game-like ideas to implement into use during class time, only to come up with Jeopardy or something ridiculously juvenile. The facilitator uses several different modalities all of which seem simple enough to use, very time friendly, and worthy of at least trying. Any idea where one can find additional games to use within Medical Terminology? Better yet, Pharmacology?

Shari Smith

Discussion Comment

baseball or flip card

I really like these ideas! I have been teaching Medical Terminology now for about 1.5 years and it is a tough course. I explain it as building a home, you need to have a sturdy foundation otherwise everything around just crumbles. Med Term is that foundation. It IS a new language, and as is with all languages, it takes dedication and work to master. This doesn't come easy and it's not suppose to. I try everything I can to make the class more interactive and enjoyable, although there are times I just feel defeated. I must admit, jeopardy helps! I… >>>

Shari Smith

Discussion Comment

Assessing understanding

The idea of pretesting is a great option to implement prior to shifting subject matter topics. It also may show if they have actually done their assigned reading. How many questions would be advisable though?

Shari Smith

Discussion Comment

dyslexia

I was met head on with an adult student that was having troubles in my Medical Terminology class. She suffered from dyslexia. When I inquired into what helped previously, she really could not recall. Initially we thought writing out flash cards but the hurdles still arose. Finally we came up with a plan, refrigerator magnet letters. It was the hand-eye control that really solidified the process. It was a fantastic idea. Wondering what other suggestions others have found helpful?

Shari Smith

Discussion Comment

English as a 2nd language

I have a large population of latino students that have English as their 2nd language. As they are trying their very best at comprehending the use of the English language, I am not compiling a little more on top of that by having them learn medical terminology. Of course, this is THEIR choosing to return to school for Medical. I have suggested numerous options, however it is a difficult concept for me, as I speak and know English only. Aside from arranging tutors for these student, does anyone have any other suggestions to assist me and them?

Shari Smith

Discussion Comment

groups

I have a group project for almost every class that I teach, yet I still manage to get those select few that complain. I use the example of workplace environment, in that "how would you resolve this then"? I have them reflect, maturely. Is it, would it be, acceptable to just complain without attempting to resolve any potential conflict in a mature and respectful manner? Any other ideas or examples I could use, would be greatly appreciate.

Shari Smith

Discussion Comment

Floating

Although I appreciate the idea of floating to allow for additional observation of the student AND to allow the engagement, what is one to do when the class if FILLED and walking space is minimal? I find myself doing the pacing without it being intentional, but my space is limited. Maybe rearrange the seating?

Shari Smith

Discussion Comment

Cheating

Hi Patricia. How about it! You know, with all the effort and creativity they put into cheating if they just redirected that into studying?! Imagine the possibilities!

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