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Hi Everyone,
I have had so many inspirations that made me want to teach. I come from a long line of educators and saw excellent teaching practices early on. One professor in particular was my biggest inspiration. Dr. Bayne-Smith was perhaps the most difficult professor I ever had because she require that we think critically and stretch our mind in…[Read more]

Hi Zoe,
I teach English, so can totally relate to using storytelling in the classroom. I have to teach the students short stories in addition to writing. As such, I always isolate the themes and main concepts and tell interesting stories to illustrate them. That goes over well with the students. As we discuss the assigned stories, they tell some…[Read more]

Hi Jamie,
What a novel idea! I am definitely a floater and will walk around the classroom. I dothat to keep the students engaged and “on their toes” because they never know where I might end up. Also, no matter how many times I told them about texting in class, there’s always that one who will try it. So…I walk and I found it helped a lot. I pay…[Read more]

Hi Muhammad,
You hit it right on point: passion and preparation. For the most effective teaching, you must love to teach, enjoy learning, and have the lessons and assignments prepared. Also, you must be flexible to teach that which is unplanned. Use teachable moments to teach something new as the opportunities present themselves.

Best,
Nathasha

Hi Jamie,
I found that transparency on our part is so important. The students seem to see us as automatons and think we crank out the lessons and assignments. However, I found that being honest with them about our work is so helpful. As you said, we can learn from each other. When they offer ideas, they are often excellent ones. I so value the…[Read more]

Hi Jamie,
There’s nothing better than when the students get excited about their learning and when they “get” what you teach them. Sometimes, it’s not easy to get them to that point. However, when you do, there’s nothing better. It makes the teaching and prep work so worthwhile.

Best,
Nathasha

Hi Julieanne,
Teaching MLA can be hard. It’s so technical and can be boring. The ideas you’ve come up with based on your students’ comments are very nicely done. I did something similar to what you suggested. It included an MLA scavenger hunt, a short project for which they had to write MLA citations and give references, and correcting MLA…[Read more]

Hi Julieanne,
I just love your diagram idea. It’s true that students usually sit in the same seats over and again. It baffles me, though, why some of them run to the back as if they think we won’t see them. That was a great idea.

Best,
Nathasha

Hi Patricia,
Your flashcard idea is spot on! It’s simple and do-able. I hope that some of us will incorporate it into our teaching practices.

Best,
Nathasha

Hi NJ Professor,
These are excellent ways to prepare for the beginning of a new term. That’s a great idea to assess what went well and what didn’t and adjust the syllabus accordingly. Teaching is an iterative process and requires revisions as needed.

I especially like how you incorporated social media into your first day activity. That probably…[Read more]

Hello Cohorts,
I get ready for a new term by reviewing the material required for the class, the syllabus, and the students’ names. I write up at least 4 or more weeks of plans and assignments. as well as make sure that my roll book is in order. With all those things done, I am ready to greet my students and begin teaching them. The main thing is…[Read more]