Dr. J's Blog

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....

Do you feel knots in your stomach the moment you begin your work day? Does the phone ring and you immediately dread answering it? Or does your workday begin fairly well but become progressively worse, especially as the week continues and the demands never seem to let up?

There are many circumstances on the job that can have an adverse impact on performance, from poor working conditions to numerous responsibilities and an over-extended schedule. But there is one condition that can arise as a result of not responding well to circumstances, which can have a negative effect on a person's well-being, and that is the condition known as stress. While it may seem that there is not much more to be said about this topic, given how extensively the subject of stress management has...