Masterchef and Hell's Kitchen in the Classroom - Interpersonal Communication and Organizational Communication

Readers,

This summer, I became a loyal viewer of the show "Masterchef" on Fox. Whenever I watch a new show or have a new experience, I try to apply this experience in my face-to-face and online classrooms.

This year, I think that I will incorporate Masterchef in Interpersonal Communication this fall. Despite the small group aspect of the show, Masterchef gives viewers a wealth of positive and negative interpersonal communication examples. In addition, this show presents viewers with an interesting dynamic between the hosts/Masterchefs and the contestants.

In addition to Masterchef, I became a casual viewer (at first) of Hell's Kitchen. Now, this show is FILLED with examples for the Small Group Communication courses. In this course, the teams compete against each other in weekly challenges.

I RARELY show movies in class, but I do incorporate 30 minute television shows in class because it allows the class to review the concept before watching the show and then to have an oral reflection period after the show.

Which television show and/or movies do you incorporate in your classes?

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41

Wandering Wednesdays - "The Center for Instructional Innovation and Assessment" (Youtube Channel)

Readers,

My husband, a high school science teacher, practices informal professional development by watching online teaching videos from the textbook companies and Youtube. So, I caught his professional development virus and I started watching online videos on instructional development. Western Washington University's "The Center for Instructional Innovation and Assessment" has a wonderful channel on Youtube that provides viewers with a wealth of videos focused on faculty development! :)

Here are a couple of the videos:

Western Washington University - Teaching, Dialogue, and Tolerance

Western Washington University - Taking Exams Online

Enjoy!

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41

An Intrapersonal Reflection Activity - Write Your Own Obituary

Readers,

This activity may sound a little morbid, but I think it is a very important reflection and goal-oriented activity for almost anyone! What do you want inscribed on your tombstone? What do you want others to say about you at your funeral?

Here's an activity for you (perhaps for others you know as well)...

***This information was gathered from a blog post titled, "Wake-Up Call: Write Your Obituary" by Marelisa at Stepcase Lifehack.***

WRITE YOUR OWN OBITUARY!

Here are some "prompts" for you:

- If I died today, would I be happy?

- Am I satisfied with the direction in which my life is headed?

- Am I happy with the legacy that I'm creating?

- What's missing from my life?

- What do I need to do in order for my obituary to be "complete"?

Thanks Marelisa at Stepcase Lifehack! :)

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41

My Summer Reflection - A Wealth of Opportunities and Experiences

Readers,

This summer has been incredibly busy! I am teaching two 10-week online classes (upper-level communication studies courses), working with an undergraduate researcher on a project, and organizing my home for the upcoming semester!

Despite the number of projects that I have this summer, I am very grateful for this small amount of time with my friends and family. I value my vegetable garden (in spite of the Texas heat) and my fruit trees. This summer, I tried a new activity...yoga! It has been a great stress reducer for me and my husband.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/waynesutton/

Unfortunately, my online teaching schedule and academic conference schedules have left little time for research. So, I will definitely have to play catch up in the fall semester. Since I started the undergraduate research projects in my upper-level communication courses, I am forced to "model the way" for the students and write a complete research paper for them to create their research papers. None of the topics are the same and their papers follow a similar format to my papers, but they take their own research approaches! :) Very rewarding! I cannot wait for the students to submit their papers to a journal! :) I need to submit my papers to a journal as well! :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/umkc

I hope you are having a great summer and that you are experiencing a slightly more productive summer with your research! :)

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41