Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Kenneth, These are wonderful outlets. Thank you for sharing. Yes, when we keep things to ourselves, life can be very stressful. Opening up and sharing with others is a great way to gain new perspective and get challenging things out of our heads too! Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Streamlining the Grading Process

James, Sometimes when you want to change people and their behavior, you have to change policy. It sounds like you did just that with your one point deduction system. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Treva, These are all great suggestions. I like how you mention using a range of exercise methods. It's important for many of us to have variety of methods to choose from - so we keep with it. When we get board, it's easy to loose focus and break our exercise routines. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Jacqueline, This is a hard lesson for many of us to learn. Many instructors got where we are because we have always been on top of things. This approach often makes us successful, but can limit our ability to relax and recharge. These things are often needed to ensure our future productivity. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Anita, Sounds like the right approach. Sometimes, a task that is not important to you is critically important to someone else. So it's important to think carefully about who your task prioritization decisions will impact. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Streamlining the Grading Process

Brandi, Sounds like you are in a wonderful position, being able to leverage so many existing teaching materials from your colleagues. I'm glad to hear you accepted their help. Some instructors are too proud to accept help from others, and this often causes a lot of unnecessary rework. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Streamlining the Grading Process

Paula, Go ahead and give it a try. It can save a tremendous amount of time in both question writing and grading. That leaves more time for you to do the things that matter most in your role - like spending more time with students. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Kenneth, Yes, updating your list is key. It doesn't have to be constant, but enough so that it's current and reflects your true tasks and priorities. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Streamlining the Grading Process

Shannon, Test makers combined with scantron machines are really the perfect pairing. With both of them, we save time in test production as well as grading. This kind of automation allows us to dedicate more quality time to our students - like in office hours. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Lisa, Sometimes it's hard to get back into exercise after taking too long a break. I recommend easing your way into it, especially after surgery. Just take it slow, you don't have to jump back in at the same pace as before. Dr. Melissa Read