Kimberly Bechtel

Blog

I truly love teaching. I have found my calling. However, there are days that there are challenges presented that get us down or we may have been having a bad day. The most important thing to remember is that students need to see the excitement and do not need to see our drama. I put a lot of energy into teaching and have been rewarded 10 fold simply by seeing student success.

Kimberly Bechtel

Discussion Comment

Friends

As instructors we have professional and moral values to uphold. Students are not friends or buddies and there should be a very clear line. Encouraging them in class and giving feedback and support are great, but handing out is inappropriate.

Kimberly Bechtel

Discussion Comment

Listening

As instructors we often feel that we need to be the one talking or in control. However, when there is an angry student, we should be silent while we are listening.

Kimberly Bechtel

Discussion Comment

Challenging the challenging student

Challenging students are always trying to confuse the instructor or try to catch them off guard by asking a really random question. Often times I challenge the student back. I ask them to expand on their question and make it more specific. I usually end up challenging the student and having them solve their own question.

Kimberly Bechtel

Discussion Comment

Setting the stage

I am truly passionate about teaching/leading students into a new career. It is so rewarding. However, I have to show that passion and excitement about the subject to truly get students ingaged. This is so important whether you like teaching the topic or not.

Kimberly Bechtel

Discussion Comment

Varying Testing Styles

Jessica, I agree. I have even used cross-word puzzles as a quiz. Students really like it. It relieved some tension.

Kimberly Bechtel

Discussion Comment

Personal experience

I agree that we are always learning from our students. That is the exciting part.

Kimberly Bechtel

Discussion Comment

Environment

I agree. A healthy learning environment also entails structure, rules, and classroom policies to make sure that everyone is on the same page. I also like to focus on a positive environment, so negativity is not welcome. Students really appreciate a drama free learning environment so that they can focus.

Kimberly Bechtel

Blog Comment

"Doing The Right Thing"

Stephen, I agree. It really spelled it out for you. There are some gray areas, but they now have been cleared up.

Kimberly Bechtel

Discussion Comment

Do Not Call

There is definitely a thin line here that can easily be crossed with do not call. Any feedback?