Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

TERESITA, Yes, interestingly when we streamline grading, we are often able to assess our students more frequently. That's to everyone's advantage. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Diana, Sounds like you have been trained with a great foundation and that it has served you well. I hope this course was a good refresher. Sometimes, application of these principles to life --combined with occasional reminders of their value-- helps the most. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Streamlining the Grading Process

Janet, Sounds like a tough situation. On one hand, management often creates these rules to streamline operations and make us more efficient. On the other, they can be constraining to individual instructors. I recommend reaching out to share your perspectives if you think they would be open to feedback on enhanced performance. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Juanita, Sounds like you have the right approach. Not all instructors do this well. Most instructors like to knock a few easy tasks off their list to start as confidence builders. Focusing on the priorities is probably the better bet! Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Teresa, It sounds like you've given this quite a bit of thought. I like the idea of challenging yourself to work and accomplish things, and then to reward yourself. It's ok to go heavy on the rewards every now and then too. We work for these benefits, we should get to enjoy them! Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Craig, Sounds like you have a healthy process for making and revising your list. Re-prioritization is really important. Most instructors do it weekly, but some have to do it more frequently. The timing really depends on how frequently your priorities change and how much work is coming into your queue overall. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Teresa, I like the idea going into each task with realistic expectations of yourself. Sometimes, we are our very worst critics. Aligning internally on your goals and capabilities can really help give you confidence that you're doing everything you can to succeed. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Sari, Sounds like you have found a wonderful work environment. Having people who can make you laugh, and who you can laugh with, can make a world of difference. Laughter really puts things into perspective. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Kimberly, It's really good to walk outside during these kinds of breaks when the weather is nice. Taking a step back can really help to clear our heads, making us better teachers when we return. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Streamlining the Grading Process

Melissa, Sounds like you have a great system. Note that when students grade their own papers, it's really important to protect their anonymity. I usually like to do that by assigning a unique code number to each student that only i know. Dr. Melissa Read