Dr. J's Blog

Do you view the learning process as an opportunity to build connections with students through an attitude of empathy and caring about them, or do you see yourself as someone who dictates conditions and demands strict compliance with the rules and requirements of each class?

Teaching adults is more commonly called instruction or facilitation, and is often viewed as a specific function with associated requirements that depend upon the person’s status and classroom environment. Some people choose to teach adults as a career in a traditional university and others choose a non-traditional route, such as an online school or corporate classroom. But why does someone, or why would someone, decide to teach adults as a career choice?

I have found there are those who are...

Do you understand what critical thinking means? Have you discovered an indicator when thinking becomes or transforms into critical thinking? Do you recognize when critical thinking occurs in class discussions or written assignments?

The phrase "critical thinking" has become widely used in the field of education and it is a skill which students are told they must learn. A challenge is that this phrase can have multiple descriptions when educators are asked to define it. The descriptions provided by students are even more varied and often described using clichés such as "thinking outside of the box", or they can come closer to what this concept means when they relate it to problem-solving.

This poses a challenge for the inclusion of critical thinking in a list of...

Do you have any students who are at risk for failure now? Is the performance of any of your students declining?

If I were to ask you which students in your class were likely to fail, the easiest indicator would be grades as it offers evidence of students who are not making considerable progress. As most educators know, grades present only one aspect of the learning process and it is still possible that any student can be at risk for failure, even those students who are peak performers. While some students can excel, regardless of classroom conditions, most experience fluctuations in their performance throughout their academic journey. It takes someone who is actively engaged in their class and working with their students to know when someone is starting to struggle,...

Are you planning your professional development goals? Would you like to continue to advance your skills as an educator, without having to pay the high costs of conference fees or take the time necessary to attend seminars? Even finding time to schedule webinars can be challenging as well.

As an educator you gain significant experience on the job just by working with students. However, there are basics of adult education you can continue to learn and gain new perspectives about which can further enhance your teaching strategies. When you invest in your ongoing professional development, the returns are immediate as the knowledge produces new strategies, methods, and ways of teaching, interacting, and communicating with your students. It is of benefit for you and your students....