Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

What a great outlook Cynthia. Thanks for sharing. Yes, one thing is for certain. You will never be lonely. Wonderful approach to dealing with a tough situation.

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Causes of Stress

This is tough Thomas. On one hand, we set rules for our classes for a reason. Students need the structure. At the same time - and to your point - there are special cases that cause us to break our own rules. Trying to hold true to our standards while also being reasonable people can put us in a tough place.

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Glad to hear Sherri and you're not alone. It's so great to be able to take a step back every now and then.

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Streamlining the Grading Process

Interesting concept Ellen. As long as you can trust students to grade accurately, this sounds like a wonderful approach. Perhaps you can spot check a representative sample of exams to ensure that students are not cheating the system.

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Sounds like a stressful schedule Kori. It's nice to hear that there's an ebb and flow to your work. I hope you can rest during your down time. Yes, taking a step away from the computer is often a step in the right direction!

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Sounds like a great assessment Ellen. Note that it's ok to de-prioritize less urgent tasks as you do. I wouldn't call this procrastination. What you're doing is prioritization and keeping important tasks top of mind.

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

That's a wonderful approach David and I appreciate you sharing. For most instructors, it's easier said than done. I like your outlook and it really takes most people a tremendous amount of practice to get there.

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Sounds like a challenge Betty. The best first step is to start getting your tasks out of your mind and on paper. It is easy to forget things otherwise. If you're busy walking around campus, you can carry a small piece of paper to take down action items. Think of it like a satellite to do list. It would just be there to help you capture thoughts to transfer to your master list later.

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Causes of Stress

Wow, sounds like you really need that martial arts class Stephanie! Great outlet. Your second point sounds like a particular challenge. When our colleagues can't carry their own weight, it can make our jobs more stressful as we try to help them. Investing in training others upfront can save us time in the end.

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

That's a great question Randall! An important task is something that must be accomplished because there's a great value in doing so. An urgent task is something that must be accomplished right away. So an urgent task is not necessarily high value, it's just time sensitive.