Joseph Balatbat

Discussion Comment

Classroom as a Stage. We are the Main Actor

I have always reiterated to my faculty staff that when we enter a classroom, we act, we direct, we supervise and we produce the course of the event. Principally, we are the main actor. It is up to us to convince, and attract the students' attention. Acting is not merely gestures. It behoves the tone of our voice, the body movements, the intonation and the manner we interact with ther students. This is how we motivate and deliver course content.

Joseph Balatbat

Discussion Comment

First Day Checklist

Every start of a new module or a term (usually every 5 weeks), our faculty has a "Script" and "first day check off list". We go through the academic policies as well review the course syllabus. Although redundant, we feel that this is necessary with the kind of population and the level of our students in our institution.

Joseph Balatbat

Discussion Comment

First Day Checklist

An an instructor and academic administrator, we have created First Day Check Off list to all of our students. We do this everytime a new module (every 5/8 weeks) starts. It is a simple, brief, concise checklist for both instructors and students. We highlight academic policies, procedures, expectations, academic requiremtns, student behavior, professionalism, attendance policies, etc. It made our life less stressful since all the intructors are in the same page as to what to be discussed with the students. Best practices to share.

Joseph Balatbat

Discussion Comment

Know Thyself. Know Thy Students

First thing I ve learned as an instructor is that one has to know and learn thyself. Passion in teaching will only surface if this is really a true calling. An instrcutor may have all the knowledge and credentials in the field but being able to disseminate the information to the students is another story. Second thing, know thy students. Make it a game by memorizing students first names during the first week. Call their first name. This is the only way that students will know that they are valued in the classroom because they are known not only by… >>>