Gary Sklenar

Discussion Comment

I feel that daily assessments are too difficult to give, as it barely gives a student the opportunity to digest the lecture/discussion/activity that day. I tend to give quizzes on a unit, rather than daily or weekly, basis.

Gary Sklenar

Discussion Comment

Comes Naturally

I find that in my program, music business, delivering content that suits a variety of learning styles comes naturally. I normally base my lectures on a topic touched on in the text, but deliver it using video, web content, PowerPoint (rarely) and classroom discussion. Then, the project or assignment usually allows for hands-on interaction, either with computer software, musical instruments or library research.

Gary Sklenar

Discussion Comment

Preparing For Different Learning Style

Because we all have a teaching style we're comfortable with, it can be difficult to prepare daily lesson plans that teach to all the different learning styles. I am usually well-prepared for all my classes and certainly consider myself an expert in many areas, but because of the sheer number of different classes I teach, I have a hard time changing things up or looking at a different approach -- especially when classes go well. How can I incorporate different teaching styles into lesson plans without completely rewriting them?

Gary Sklenar

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Is it possible that by eliminating an unhealthy coping mechanism I have created more stress? I quit smoking and used to feel that it relieved stress. Once I quit, I thought it would be healthier for me, but I actually feel more stressed -- perhaps because I haven't found another healthy outlet to replace smoking. Thoughts?

Gary Sklenar

Discussion Comment

Long Commute

I have a 45 minute commute and it is a source of stress, in that I have to drop off my daughter at school on my way in and barely arrive on time in the morning. On the way home, it has me coming home after 7PM, which eliminates the possibility of eating family meals or spending much time with my wife and children. I often arrive home achey and irritable, and this is clearly attributable to stress (particularly from the commute).

Gary Sklenar

Discussion Comment

Essay Exams

I use a variety of exams, depending on the subject matters. For certain classes, multiple choice and true/false makes the most sense but for a couple classes I teach I almost have to use essay exams. These classes are more on industry trends and opinions rather than concrete right or wrong answers, and an essay exam helps me evaluate how well students are truly comprehending the material and applying critical thinking. I know they take longer to grade, but I think they are far more accurate in assessing retention of material.

Gary Sklenar

Discussion Comment

To Do Lists

I just can't get in the habit of writing things down on a "to-do list" and find it difficult to adapt. I know I'm a bit of a procrastinator, but if things always get done on time and are of good quality, I find it hard to change my ways. My work seems to be better when I work under pressure. What difference does it make whether I have free-time now or later?

Gary Sklenar

Discussion Comment

Remembering Names

I have a great deal of difficulty remembering students' names, especially within the first day or so. I find it helpful to review the roster in our campus system which posts a photo of the student. Therefore, it is easier for me to have a pretty good idea of who is who on the first day, and students are sometimes surprised to find that I already know who they are. Some students do not want to be photographed by the instructor, and it kind of makes me uncomfortable to ask them. This is a memory technique that doesn't make either… >>>

Gary Sklenar

Discussion Comment

Changing Delivery Methods

I have found, after almost 6 years of teaching, that changing the delivery methods from quarter to quarter helps me to refine the course content, reach more students with different learning styles, and keep the class fresh and interesting. I have moved away from straight lecture toward shorter lectures with question/answer periods, audio/video presentations, hands-on practice or case studies that illustrate reading/lecture topics. I didn't initially realize that students were not retaining much of a 45 minute lecture until it came to applying some of these concepts through projects, quizzes or exams. I finally came to the conclusion that less… >>>

Gary Sklenar

Discussion Comment

Instructor Bio

I frequently use a printed short bio that details my professional qualifications outside of school. Students seem to appreciate knowing that their instructor has actually participated in the music industry, instead of merely teaching about it. They can see a list of the groups I've performed with, album projects I've worked on, agency and management contacts, promotional work I've done, etc. Also, within our online instructor information, I provide a link to my efolio, which details my work and educational background, and gives some professional samples.