Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Bret, Excellent to hear you got some good direction from this class. Yes, work and life balance is critically important to our effectiveness. Often times, we are better workers when we have time to rest and when we don't approach every task with the same sense of urgency. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Jason, So true. It's critically important to set the right expectations for yourself and be honest about how much time you have. This helps you both stay on track as well as feel good about the progress you are making. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Stephanie, Sounds like a great approach and I'm certain your dogs appreciate it too! Animals add so much to our lives. It's nice to give back. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Lesley, Glad to hear you have a new strategy that you'll put into place. It sounds like a healthy one. Yes, investing a little time in you in the short term can help tremendously long term. It would be nice for you to have some me time on the weekends as well. This is a healthy approach. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Streamlining the Grading Process

Vanessa, Excellent to hear you'll take a new and great approach. With the classroom grading, be sure to maintain student confidentiality by concealing names of the papers that students grade. You can do this by assigning each student a code name or number to use on their exams instead of using their real name. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Streamlining the Grading Process

Cynthia, Interesting approach. Yes, true / false questions do make things easier to grade. I recommend emphasizing test materials while also covering off on the broad educational content available in your discipline. This holistic approach provides students depth and breadth in your subject area. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Streamlining the Grading Process

Deb, Sounds like you have developed a highly efficient system! Thanks very much for sharing. Your testing formats, as well as methodologies, likely help you save time and focus more on other priorities - like classroom instruction! Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Cheryl, This is an important realization and I'm so glad you discovered it through this course. Yes, many instructors struggle with immediacy and control issues. Early in our careers, these kinds of approaches often help us get ahead. As we settle into our roles however, they can really get in the way of enjoying life. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Keith, Nice! it's amazing how something as simple as breathing can make such a dramatic difference on our lives. It can. I also love the way you can use this technique anywhere. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Vanessa, Excellent to hear you are taking a new direction that will make you more productive in the future. Yes, when we bend our schedules to meet the needs of others short term, we often have challenges serving them in the longer term. It's best to be proactive in this area for this reason. Dr. Melissa Read