Stephania Walters

Discussion Comment

I personally believe graphic organizers are an excellent tool. When used, I find that my students are able to retain the information better. The simple,straight forward visual allows one to remember just what's important while eliminating any extra information that may not be useful or unnecessary to memorize.

Stephania Walters

Discussion Comment

Learner's Autonomy

I try to maintain the autonomy of my students by frequently requesting their input. Whether it be a choice between two forms of review or choices between which assignment they would like to complete in class vs. homework. I find that with a predominantly adult group, this sense of autonomy is important to them. Many already feel a little insecure about becoming a student again. I am also a younger educator and I think that sometimes causes older people to resist asking for extra help. However, making them feel like they are part of the process it helps them become… >>>

Stephania Walters

Discussion Comment

Different Intelligences/Learning styles

I find that it is sometimes difficult to identify the different learning styles in my classrooms. Many of the students we serve have been out of school for a long time. Therefore, coming back to school, they are sometimes unsure of how they learn best or where their intellectual strength lies. Therefore, it becomes difficult to address these differences and reach everyone. Many of them are also very independent and resistant to working with others that may share similar strengths.

Stephania Walters

Discussion Comment

Different Learning tools

Being that my classes are fairly large and time is fairly limited, I incorporate several different tools for memorization and learning in my lessons. For the lectures, I use an outline with fill in the blank slots. That way students are engaged and participating in order to complete their outline. I also use many real life examples to show them how information can be applied outside of the classroom. Prior to exams, I also develop flashcards. Lastly we also do review games similar to Jeopardy. This way, there's a tool for everyone.

Stephania Walters

Discussion Comment

Conflict of Interest

Restrictions on double duty positions as well as the bonuses are both valid and necessary in my opinion. Although, one would love to think every one is honest and has integrity, that is not the case. It would be too easy for one to bend the rules or have the outcome work out in a manner that will benefit them as well. In that case the victim becomes the student who gets lost in the equation.

Stephania Walters

Discussion Comment

Exit Interviews

I will have to admit that I did not read my exit interview. I simply signed and moved on. With that being said, I think exit interviews should be done with an actual representative, maybe from the financial aid dept. I think it is important for students to better understand the financial obligation that they are graduating with, as well as the time frame they have to start repayment. Finally, they should also be aware of options available such as deferments if they are unable to make payments when the time arrives.

Stephania Walters

Discussion Comment

Job Placement

Many of the career colleges offer job placement assistance. With that being said, its important that these schools begin preparing their students from day one to increase their chances of being hired. Measures such as requiring a uniform and holding them accountable for attendance, their appearance, etc are very good tools to do this. The truth is, instilling this accountability and discipline early on doesn't guarantee that they will get hired, however, it definitely helps increase their chances. In the end, there are many factors that may affect whether a graduate gets hired, some that are out of the hands… >>>

Stephania Walters

Discussion Comment

How to reach all of your students.

"Your goal should be to reach each student. You can do this by helping each individual to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in your class. By knowing the backgrounds and characteristics of your students, you will be able to customize your instruction to meet their learning needs." Achieving this goal, especially with adult students can be very challenging. They tend to have too much pride to ask for help. Many students are rather protective of their background/personal life thus making it difficult to customize your instruction to meet their personal learning needs. They are often working… >>>