Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Robert, It sounds like your institution has already invested heavily in establishing testing formats that streamline grading. It's wonderful to hear your administration has taken such initiative. At a guess, there are many instructors in your institution who benefit. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Streamlining the Grading Process

Vicki, Online testing software is wonderful for testing and grading efficiency. Most of the time, you can find software that gives you great options for balancing testing formats. Exams are graded instantly for formats that are not fill in the blank and essay, allowing students to get the fasted feedback. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

William, Thanks for sharing. You are unique in that most instructors tend to chip away at easier tasks first, putting off harder tasks for later. Instructors who take this opposite approach often wish they could be more like you. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Thomas, Excellent to hear you have a nice plan in place. The next step of course is doing something about it. I recommend starting small with exercise and working your way up. Even if you could just exercise two times a week, it could make a big difference in getting you on the right track. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Jeffery, Having 3 children at home can be tough, at any ages. Yes, I think trying to focus on the positive and reminding yourself of the joy they bring to you is likely a healthy approach. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Yolanda, These are great approaches. I love connecting with fellow instructors to learn more about how they approach their work. My fellow instructors are often a wealth of information and best practices that help me optimize my own approach. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Richard, Yes, it sounds like having a reoccurring note would be perfect for you. Why write down tasks repeatedly when you know the will reoccur? The recurring note will make your list making a little simpler. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Cynthia, It sounds like you have several healthy outlets to rely on. This is wonderful to hear. It's good to diversify your coping mechanisms so if one falls through, you have the others to rely on. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Jerrod, These are two wonderful approaches to managing stress and I can see how they work well for you. I particularly appreciate your transition from the save everyone approach. While at the onset, it can seem altruistic. However, the reality is when we try to help everyone, we often find that we help no one. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Jeffery, It sounds like you know what to do. The next step is getting there. Easier said than done of course. I always recommend starting small and working your way up. Just try to exercise one or two times per week to start and see what comes of it. Grow your routine from there as you experience the positive benefits. Dr. Melissa Read