Theresa Schmitt, M.Ed.

Maksuda, Fantastic! I find forums/discussion boards a great tool for keeping students engaged outside of the classroom. I am in the habit of posting two questions a week and asking students to reply to my original post and reply to a classmate. This encourages interaction between the students outside of class time and sparks conversation at the start of each class. Yours in learning, Theresa Schmitt

Jennifer, I do the same- videos seem to connect the dots for many students. Thank you for sharing. Yours in learning, Theresa Schmitt

Darla, I would suggest starting with incorporating short videos. It break ups the lecture and has the ability to condense the material for review or break the material down into very detailed segments. I recently found educational series of short videos that are entertaining and do a great job summarizing topics I am currently covering in a media production course. http://www.youtube.com/user/gloveandboots Wishing you continued success in the classroom. Theresa Schmitt

Kathy, You provide some excellent examples of how belonging to a professional organization can benefit both you and your students. Thank you for sharing! Wishing you continued success in the classroom. Best, Theresa Schmitt

Bethanne, I utilize document management apps for each of the classes I teach and find them extremely useful when it comes time to collect work and grade. Wishing you continued success in the classroom. Theresa Schmitt

Bethanne, In-service training is a fantastic way to learn more about available teaching resources found online and emerging technologies. I first learned of Rubistar (http://rubistar.4teachers.org/)at an in-service years ago and am still a dedicated user when first developing a rubric. Wishing you continued success in the classroom. Theresa Schmitt

Neelam, Wonderful to hear you are utilizing so many resources to keep your students engaged. It sounds as if you are reaching students that are both visual, audible, and kinesthetic learners through your lessons. Yours in learning, Theresa Schmitt

Jose, I understand your frustration. With aligned curriculum becoming the norm across proprietary education, our hands often tied when it comes to infusing new material. How we deliver the content, both inside and outside the classroom, may allow some flexibility, as long as the required material is covered. I would suggest asking your Campus Director/Dean about precisely how much flexibility you do have. Yours in learning, Theresa Schmitt

Marian, Fantastic! I especially like the fact you have students participate in activities that promote demonstrating their abilities so they are not merely a spectator the entire class period, which can get monotonous for both you and your students. Wishing you continued success in the classroom. Theresa Schmitt

George, A fantastic tip, George! Yes, I have found the same to be true when providing slides at the beginning of class. Students also tend to jump ahead, so it takes an element of genuine interaction out of the class. Wishing you continued success in the classroom. Theresa Schmitt