Debra Berglund

Discussion Comment

When I am preparing my lesson plans for each class, I try to be aware of the different learning styles, and as much as possible I try to include at least one item in each lesson that will accommodate each learning style. for example, I might lecture on a topic (auditory), while I have a PowerPoint presentation showing (visual), have the students write a 1-minute paper on the topic (written), and then have them actually practice one of the skills presented (kinesthetic). Of course, this is made easier, in some respects, because I am a medical instructor, so there are… >>>

Debra Berglund

Discussion Comment

Time Trapped

I was interested in the section on not being trapped by time. Unfortunately, as I read the description of the time trapped instructor, I could identify that I am frequently a prisoner of time entrapment. Reading it from the student's perspective helped me to understand that I need to try to avoid getting trapped by time. Planning ahead definitely helps, but even this isn't always possible. Many factors can interfere with staying on top of preparation. I realize, though, that I need to keep working on not getting time trapped

Debra Berglund

Discussion Comment

De-stressing

It is important for people to have some sort of outlet in their lives that they can turn to to help decrease stress in their life. For me, it is music, for others it might be running or working out, or for others it might be a craft or hobby. The point is, we all need something to take us away from the stress.

Debra Berglund

Discussion Comment

Stressed Out

There can be many stressors in the life an instructor. One of the big ones for me is not having enough time to be as fully prepared as I would like. When I walk into a classroom and I don't feel prepared, then I become stressed, and I feel like the class doesn't flow the way I would like it to. We have also experienced some changes to our curriculum recently, and I think this had created some increased stress, for me anyway. This means that even subjects I have taught before now need to be redone to accommodate the… >>>

Debra Berglund

Discussion Comment

My Test Style

I teach courses in Medical Assisting, and I feel it is important to utilize a variety of testing styles, depending on the course and the topic. So, while many tests have T/F, Multiple Choice, Fill in the Blank, and Matching, I do also use Essay exams when I want to know they grasp the concept and can apply it to the real world. When I use an essay format, the questions are usually worded such that I can read the answers for content, even spot read them and know if the student understands the concept. On my final exams, however,… >>>

Debra Berglund

Discussion Comment

Motivation

I like to use a variety of games, worksheets, reviews to help motivate students. But, I also include a reward at the end of these activities to give the student incentive.

Debra Berglund

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS

This a great concept. As instructors, we all need to find time to look at ourselves, and recharge and rejuventate. This will keep us excited about going back to the classroom.

Debra Berglund

Discussion Comment

Learn your students' names

I feel it is important to learn your students names as quickly as possible. It might not always be easy, but our students feel valued and that we care enough to make them more than just another name or number.

Debra Berglund

Discussion Comment

Getting to Know Your Students

I think it is important to get to know your students. That is one thing I like about teaching in a small school; it allows me to see students in many classes throughout their education with MSB. When I get to know them and their learning styles, I can better create a learning environment that will help all my students reach their educational goals.

Debra Berglund

Discussion Comment

Motivating Students

I teach Medical Assisting and Medical Administrative courses. My style is to mix it up in the classroom. I do this by making sure that every class period is a mix of lecture and practicing skills, or perhaps playing a game to review for a test. This keeps my students interested and focused during their class periods. I get a lot of students telling me they like this mix.