Monday, August 4, 2014

Goal Setting for the New Academic Year - From Balance to External Communication Strategies


Each year, I always set a new list of goals for the upcoming academic year. The first-year was focused on learning the new aspects of my job. Last year (the second year) was definitely focused on work-life balance and this year (the third year) will focus on continuing the message of the leadership and communication (the Texas Social Media Research Institute) aspects of my job both internally and externally. Here are my goals for the 2014-2015 academic year:

1 - Write at least three articles focused on student success, multicultural initiatives, and/or social media for the upcoming year.

2 - Create and sustain partnerships with others focused on my areas of interest (at other universities).
*I am a strong believer in the old saying, "If you continue to do the same old thing, you will get the same old result." Partnerships are definitely key!

3 - Continue to frequently post on social media outlets (including blogger, which is difficult to navigate sometimes).

4 - Provide innovative strategies for the leadership team in my area.

Here's a shameless plug - Follow me on Twitter - @drjtedwardsTSU

I know these are very ambitious goals, but I hope to achieve exceed each of the four goals listed above.

Please feel free to leave comments!

Sincerely - @drjtedwardsTSU

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Student Food Pantries on Colleges Campuses - A Potential Solution for Food Insecurity Among Our Students



Last year, I visited another university in Texas for one purpose, but I left with a completely different idea. When I visited, I was introduced to a student who wanted to start a food pantry on campus for students who experience food insecurity throughout the week.

Here are two approaches to "food pantries" on campus.

- Start a campus garden (maintained by student organizations/staff/faculty)

- Develop an in-house food pantry for students.



Montgomery Country Community College (MCCC) is developing such a program. Their Stock Up for Success Program is described here - http://ambler.patch.com/groups/schools/p/mccc-campus-pantry-takes-aim-at-student-food-insecurity

Sincerely - @drjtedwardsTSU

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

12th Annual Depression on College Campuses Conference - March 2014



I am always looking for great resources focused on college student wellness (including depression). Here's a great resource for higher education professions (faculty and staff) who would like to learn more about resources to help their students and research focused on college student depression.

http://www.uofmhealth.org/news/archive/201402/depression-college-campuses-fostering-student-success-mar-12

Sincerely,

J. Edwards - @drjtedwardsTSU

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Linking First-Year Undergraduate Students with Relevant Campus Resources #Retention #FYS


Recently, Noel-Levitz (http://blog.noellevitz.com/) posted an article on their blog titled, "Linking College Students with Relevant Retention Resources Throughout the First Year". This article REALLY stood out to me this year because I taught one of the First-Year experience courses at my university.

I was excited about this opportunity, because I have not taught an FYS course since I worked at Sam Houston State University. I loved teaching the course there and I still stay in contact with the students.

This year, I learned A LOT about our first-year students in the academic environment. In fact, I think this was a great effort for retaining our students in their individual academic colleges (and ultimately at the university). For example, I learned that first-year students do not know how to use technology for academic reasons, but they CAN LEARN how to do so.

I established a Facebook group for the first-year student enrolled in my class. At first, the students were VERY reluctant to join the group, but as the semester persisted, the students were able to help each other answer questions related to the course (and also to study material). In addition, we had several snow days in a row this week and the students were able to post pictures and ask questions about rescheduling their examinations.

Now, back to the article...Brandi Phillips highlighted several ways to link first-year college students with relevant college resources. These include:

- use assessment data to adjust intervention and retention strategies during the first-year

- engage first-year students in career planning

- build a bridge to the second term and beyond

Read the entire article here:

http://blog.noellevitz.com/2013/11/18/linking-students-relevant-resources-year/?utm_source=Strategies11212013&utm_campaign=optin&utm_medium=email

Sincerely - @drjtedwardsTSU

Monday, November 18, 2013

Neat #HigherEd Retention Idea! - TRANSformations Kick Off Event for Transfer Student Success


TRANSformations for Transfer Student Success
University: University of South Carolina - Columbia
Department - Transfer and Special Student Population Services

Each semester, the University of South Carolina - Columbia sponsors an event titled, "TRANSformations" for their incoming transfer students. During their kickoff event, the office provides the following activities for their students:

- A review of the entire semester (fall, spring)
- A "Pin It" activity for transfer students to pin the location of the university/college from which they transferred to a large map of South Carolina and the United States.
- "Transfer Student Bingo" Team Builder
-  Transfer Student Panel
-  Overview of services available for transfer students.

In the future, the university might offer a "t-shirt swap" and "transfer mentors".

Neat ideas! 

My thoughts...

This program sounds spectacular! I would probably invite the library and other academic support services to present during the event as well. In addition, if we implemented a similar academic program at our university, I would probably suggest monthly workshops for students during their transfer semester (with food of course)!

Overall, neat program!

Sincerely - @drjtedwardsTSU

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Student Success Resource - E-Source for College Transitions (Student Success)


I am pleased that this publication has been available for almost all of the years I have served in higher education. Each time it is published, I enjoy reading the E-Source for College Transitions to gain new ideas and insight for our changing student populations. Here's the link to the publication - http://tech.sa.sc.edu/fye/esource/files/ES_11-1_Oct13 .pdf

This issue's articles focus on the following...


• using the Student Strengths Inventory to predict academic success and retention from Concordia University-Wisconsin,
 
• combining tradition with skills for the 21st century in a two-semester program that teaches public speaking and information technology at the University of Vermont,
 
• creating learning communities for undeclared majors at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and high-achieving scholars at the University of South Carolina,
 
• expanding a peer-facilitation program beyond the fall term at Queens University of Charlotte, and
 
• examining “how and how much” schools across the country assess first-year seminars.


**According to Larry Wood - Editor of the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition

Enjoy! Which article was helpful for you?

Sincerely - @drjtedwardsTSU

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Neat #HigherEd Retention Program - "Out-to-Lunch" Program for Faculty/Staff

The "Out-to-Lunch" Program to Promote Faculty/Student Interactions Outside of the Classroom
University - University of South Carolina
Department - Student Success Center

The University of South Carolina Student Success Center offers an innovative way for students to connect with their faculty members. Through the "Out-to-Lunch" program, a student can pick up a ticket from the university's student success office and take their faculty member to lunch for free.

The student pays for their own lunch with their meal plan, cash, etc.

My thoughts...

I think this is an innovative program to promote faculty/student interaction, but if we implemented a similar program at my institution, we would probably seek innovative ways to pay for the student's meal (or provide a discount or incentive).

Overall, neat program!

Sincerely - @drjtedwardsTSU

Monday, November 11, 2013

Audiostretch for "Slowing Down" Interviews - Great for Qualitative Researchers


As a qualitative researcher, I am always on the lookout for neat (and free) tools to help me when I research. Today, I discovered Audiostretch. This is a great resource (flash-based, no download needed) researchers can use when transcribing interviews.

This tool was discovered through a listserv from (Mari Megias @ Harvard University)

Enjoy!

Sincerely - @drjtedwardsTSU

Monday, October 21, 2013

Academic Affairs + Student Affairs = Student Success (My Presentation at the @TACUSPA Conference)

Last week, I presented at the Texas Association of College and University Personnel Administrators conference in Houston, TX. I always have a great time connecting with my colleagues in student services across the state.

This time, I presented on connection strategies between two different areas of colleges and universities: "Academic Affairs + Student Services = Student Success". This is actually my new research area and I am excited for the next phase of my research to emerge.

Here are a few slides from the presentation...








If you would like the entire presentation, please contact me via e-mail or Twitter.

The participants had a fair amount of contributions and I arrived back to my Texas campus with a wealth of ideas to foster connections between student affairs and academic affairs on my own campus.

Sincerely - @drjtedwardsTSU

Monday, April 29, 2013

Connecting with Students via Facebook Groups - How Do YOU Do It?



Readers,

I enjoy connecting with students through social media (especially Facebook)! So, I tried a Facebook group for the FIRST time last spring and we definitely connected! The students asked questions about the course AND about life in general!

Connecting with Students
This was great for me, because I had a chance to connect with students and still complete my administrative duties each day. Most of my connections involved walking across campus and sending messages to the students via my iPhone.

Great for Time Management
Instead of sending e-mails via Exchange or Outlook to me, we actually decided to connect via our course Facebook group. This provided me with an instant notification AND I responded in a timely manner!

Intragroup Communication
Also, the students responded to one another's questions without me having to intervene. This was the most amazing part of the semester-long process, because they were able to become content generators.

I will definitely try this again!

Any questions?

Sincerely,

Millennial Professor

Monday, March 11, 2013

Educause Video - Pathways to Student Success

Readers,

I hope everyone is having a great week! I am excited whenever I discover articles and especially videos about academic success at the college level! I am excited about the academic success of undergraduate students! 

This is a neat video titled "Richard Calatta: Pathways to Student Success" presented by Richard Calatta, Deputy Director of Educational Technology, U.S. Department of Education (Presented by Educause). 


Richard Culatta: Pathways to Student Success from EDUCAUSE on Vimeo.


Sincerely, 

J. Edwards - Millennial Professor
http://www.facebook.com/millennialprofessor/millennialprofessor@gmail.com -  @DrSocialMediaTX 
Also - Check out millennialprofessormommy.com

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Welcome Back to Texas! The AEJMC Conference Was Great!



Readers,

I just arrived home from the AEJMC conference in Oklahoma and it was an amazing and refreshing experience. One of my colleagues from the Communication Department (@SarahMaben) organized the panel and submitted the proposal. We were accepted and I packed the car and drove to OK! It was actually an easy drive.
Gaylord Hall
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ludophoto/2537811428/
We have lived in this area (DFW) for around six years and I have never driven from Texas to Oklahoma! In fact, it was my first time DRIVING out of state and actually walking from my car to a hotel in about six years! Go figure!

During the conference, I had time to network with colleagues and catch up on e-mail (which is an arduous task to say the least). I enjoyed the wonderful "conference" environment and I took a lot of notes for our 2013 Social Media Conference!

As a result of attending the conference, I plan to start a book proposal focused on Social Media and Higher Education Administration. We will see HOW long this process will take, but I am eager start!

Sincerely, 

J. Edwards - Millennial Professor

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Wandering Wednesdays - Why Students Plagiarize (A Neat Webcast from TurnItIn.com)

Reader,

I strive to educate the students in my classes about the importance of avoiding plagiarism and the importance of attribution when writing scholarly papers. In my opinion, this is one of the most important aspects of higher education. 

View this podcast about plagiarism and higher education from TurnItIn.com, "Why Students Plagiarize".




What do you think? Neat software and neat approach!
Sincerely, 

J. Edwards - Millennial Professor
http://www.facebook.com/millennialprofessor/millennialprofessor@gmail.com -  @DrSocialMediaTX 

Monday, February 4, 2013

Motivation Mondays! Spring 2013 - Blog Schedule Reveal!

Motivation quote
www.planetofsuccess.com/blog/ 
Readers,

Thanks for bearing with me! It is definitely tough being a mom and a professor/administrator! However, this process is extremely rewarding and I am very excited to awaken each morning, because I know that I have a chance to make a difference in the lives of others!

Here's the upcoming schedule:

I plan to post at least two posts per week, which may focus on one or more of the following!

Motivation Mondays! - Reflections from a Millennial Professor/Administrator

Wandering Wednesdays - YouTube Clips, Product Reviews, and Resources

Free-for-All Friday! - You never know what you might find! Usually these resources will highlight the best tweets of the tweet!

Disclaimer - I might not be able to post all of the time, but will try my best!

Sincerely, 

J. Edwards - Millennial Professor
http://www.facebook.com/millennialprofessor/millennialprofessor@gmail.com -  @DrSocialMediaTX 
Also - Check out millennialprofessormommy.com

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Spending the Holiday Reflecting and Planning...

I am excited about having a small break! I always have a wealth of ideas after a semester ends and it is great to have a small amount of time to plan and reflect.

Next semester, I am teaching "Social Networking" and I am excited about writing a syllabus and planning their REAL assignment. We have an amazing. project at our university dedicated to providing students with ways to ENHANCE their degrees. REAL stands for real world experiences applied to learning and I have had almost 200 students complete the program! From undergraduate research and study away/abroad to internships and service learning, I stress the importance of this program to ALL of our undergraduate students.

Find out more information here - http://www.tarleton.edu/REAL/

Time for more goal setting and reflecting...

Christmas excitement!

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Almost Home for the Holidays! - The Academic Year in Review (Mommyhood & Administrative Role)


Readers,
































This has been one amazing year! In Spring 2012, I became a new mom and the Texas Social Media Research Institute became 1 year old! Then, in June, I started my new position as Assistant Vice-President for Student Success and Multicultural Initiatives at my university. This has been an incredible journey and I am grateful for the opportunities this year! 

In addition to this new role, I started my new blog - Millennial Professor Mommy, where I review products, talk about work life-balance, and chronicle my celebrations as an academic mommy!

In November, we had our second Social Media Conference at Tarleton State University and we had around 200 attendees. We plan to make the conference larger next year!

In addition, this blog celebrates six years this month and I am pleased with all of the opportunities that I have been able to experience through relationships created and sustained through this online resource!

This year, I am especially thankful for amazing friends, outstanding colleagues, a wonderful team at Tarleton, loyal readers, great undergraduate researchers, and an amazing family!

Most of all, I am grateful for everyone who believes in me and my "interesting" ideas. <- Including my husband and the members of the Texas Social Media Research Institute (TSMRI).

I hope you are having a wonderful time getting ready for the holidays!

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Adobe Education Exchange - 2012 Adobe Educators' Choice Awards

Readers - Do not forget about this amazing competition - The 2012 Adobe Educators' Choice Awards. The submission deadline is October 5th.

- J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Higher Education and Environmental Sustainability (#envirohighered) - Journalism Eco-Course



Readers,

This is another one of the Brita Filter for Good projects. This one is slightly different, because this submission came from a student who proposed a course focused on Environmental Sustainability and Journalism at the University of California - Berkley focused on sustainability.

Wonderful project!

Sincerely,

J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Monday, May 7, 2012

Higher Education and Environmental Sustainability (#envirohighered) - Working Out for the Campus Environment!


Readers,

Here's another winner from Brita's "Filter for Good Campaign". This idea was slightly different than the GWU filtration project. Davidson College has a sustainability project that focuses on the energy produced when students work out at a campus gym. Generally, this energy is not utilized, but Davidson College found an innovative way to use the energy generation through elliptical machines.


Very neat! Working out for sustainability!

Sincerely,

J. Edwards 

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Friday, May 4, 2012

Higher Education and Environmental Sustainability (#envirohighered) - Brita's Filter for Good Program and Residence Life


Readers,

A few years ago, Brita (one of my favorite companies) awarded a grant to George Washington University for one of their residence halls. Through this grant, GWU provided water bottles and water pitchers (with filters) to each student living in one particular residence halls. Through this program, it seems that the students built their community through common experiences with the filtration project.



What a neat idea!

Sincerely,

J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Thursday, May 3, 2012

Higher Education and Environmental Sustainability (#envirohighered) - You Cannot Purchase Water Bottles Here!


Readers,

Last summer, I had the pleasure of attending the Council on Undergraduate Research Councilor's conference at Washington University in St. Louis. While visiting the conference, I soon realized that this campus culture was significantly different from the experiences that I have had at Texas universities. At Washington University, the students, faculty, and staff are not given the option to purchase bottled water.

This is an innovative program that focuses on water consumption and waste reduction.  Here's an article that focuses on this program:


Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Higher Education and Environmental Sustainability (#envirohighered) - UNC Community Garden


Readers,

Those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile realize the importance of the environmental sustainability and higher education. I strongly believe that colleges and universities need to become more sustainability in an effort to reduce costs and to provide opportunities for students to learn about their environment.

One of the first websites/initiatives that I would like to highlight is the Carolina Campus Community Garden! This is an innovative initiative focused on sowing and cultivating vegetables for others.


They have garden workdays that includes faculty, staff, undergraduate students and also students from the summer bridge program!

Does your campus have a community garden?

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Higher Education and Environmental Sustainability (#envirohighered) - Introduction to the Series



Readers,

This month is dedicated to environmental sustainability in higher education. Throughout this month, we will focused on sustainability efforts from various colleges and universities from across the world. Also, I will integrate a few of my own ideas! :)

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Monday, April 30, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #21: Conducting Research with Undergraduate Students



Readers,

I value spending time with students outside of the traditional classroom environment. This includes taking students outside of the restricted 30 mile radius of campus. I like taking students to regional and national conferences to expose them to something new!

Here are some opportunities:

Council on Undergraduate Research
I am a member of the Council on Undergraduate Research and this organization provides a wealth of support for both faculty and students who are interest in investigating a topic of mutual interest.

Perspectives in Undergraduate Research Journal (PURM)

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Friday, April 27, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #20: Take Attendance Every Class Session


Readers,

Here's another teaching tip...

When I teach face-to-face courses, I take attendance every class session. This keeps the students accountable, provides me with an opportunity to learn the students's names, and also it provides me with a few minutes of mental debriefing time before class begins.

I use the Gradekeeper program on the classroom computer and this program's spreadsheet is automatically populated with the students' information (gathered from my external drive).

Sincerely,

J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Thursday, April 26, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #19: Communicating with Students Via Text Messaging


Readers,

Every semester, I adopt a new teaching method. Usually, this teaching method is technology-related, but sometimes it is more focused on face-to-face student engagement. 

Text Messaging
I started TEXT MESSAGING with my students. It is amazing, because the students respond almost immediately and they are provided with an immediate response from me as well. I appreciate this mobile technology and I admit that I was not completely sold on mobile technologies for teaching, but I absolutely love this one!

Google Voice
I do not use my personal cell phone number to communicate with the students, but I use Google Voice to communicate with them. Google Voice transcribes their voice messages and also provides an automatic notification for users on iPads and iPods. This has been a great technology to adopt!

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #18 : Flipping the Classroom (Faculty Video Testimony)

Readers,

Here is an actual video testimony from a high school teacher who adopted a flipped classroom approach.



Sincerely,

J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #17 : Flipping the Classroom (Video Explanation)

Readers,



Here's a neat video focused on the FLIPPED classroom concept in college and university classrooms...



Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Monday, April 23, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #16 : Flipping the Classroom (Background)


Readers,

I am interested in the "flipping the classroom" concept that my husband has been referring to for the past three years. So, next semester I plan to flip my classroom, but I need some tips for the university environment! This week, you will help me gather some tips for FLIPPING my classroom! :)

Here's a neat blog post about the concept of FLIPPING THE CLASSROOM...

Sincerely,

J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Friday, April 20, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #15 : Read Teaching Tips from College Students



Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Thursday, April 19, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #14 : Learning Outcomes (Otis College)



Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Wednesday, April 18, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #13 : Reflective Writing (Otis College)






Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #12 : Integrate Items that Your Students Care About... Half Price Slushes at Sonic!

Readers,


Why am I super excited about half-price slushes at Sonic tomorrow? Yay!!! Enjoy tax day!


Take a break and visit Sonic for a nice form of refreshment during lunch or breakfast tomorrow. :)


Sincerely,


Millennial Professor

Monday, April 16, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #11 : Leading Classroom Discussions

Readers,


I admit that I have never heard of Otis College, but they have an AMAZING Youtube Channel. Their tips are easy to follow! This tip is focused on leading classroom discussions...


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Friday, April 13, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #10 : Improving Student Writing (IDEA Paper)

Readers,




The last IDEA Center white paper in our series is titled, "Strategies to Improve Student Writing". This paper was written by David Smit from Kansas State University.

This article advocates the use of the following..

- journals
- microthemes

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Thursday, April 12, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #9 : Effective Lecturing (IDEA Paper)

Readers,

This is the fourth article in the "A Month of College Teaching Tips" focused on the white papers from the IDEA Center. This article was written by William Cashin (Professor Emeritus) Kansas State University.

1 - Define your learning objectives.
2 - Choose a format.
3 - Outline your lecture notes.
4 - Choose examples carefully.
5 - Includes notes for yourself.
6 - Deliver your points with the listeners in mind.
7 - Review the major points from your last lecture.
8 - Put up an outline and give cues.
9 - Connect the new information with previous content.
10 - Pace your presentation according to the complexity of the material.

Enjoy!

Sincerely,

J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Wednesday, April 11, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #8 : Learning Portfolios (IDEA Paper)


Readers,

Do you use learning portfolios for your students? Here's a paper from the IDEA Center titled, "The Learning Portfolio: A Powerful Idea for Significant Learning" by John Zubizarreta from Columbia College, SC.

Sincerely,

J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #7 : Getting Students to Read (IDEA Paper)



Readers,

Today's IDEA paper is focused on "Getting Students to Read: Fourteen Tips" (written by Eric H. Hobson from Georgia Southern University).

These tips range from "Every Course is Served By Requiring a Textbook" and "Use Syllabus as a Teaching Tool" to "Assign Reading Close to Use Date" and "Require Prior Reading".
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Monday, April 9, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #6 : Establishing Rapport with Students (IDEA Paper)

Readers,


I always enjoy reading white papers focused on higher education. The IDEA center has short, white papers (4-5 pages) focused on higher education. This week, I will focused on one of these papers a day to further our "A Month of College Teaching Tips" series.


Establishing Rapport: Personal Interaction and Learning
By: Neil Fleming


This paper is divided into four sections:


1 - Why Rapport Matters
2 - Are Student Ratings of Rapport Accurate>
3 - Improving Performance: Rationale and Strategies
4 - Conclusion and Bibliography


Sincerely,


J. Edwards

Friday, April 6, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #5 : Read Other Professors's Student Engagement Tips!



Readers,

I have never had the opportunity to attend the Teaching Professor Conference (some of my colleagues have), but it is super expensive. I like the fact that you can download materials from this conference FOR FREE! 

Here's a great resource...


It seems that these tips emerged from an interactive conference session in which attendees contributed a wealth of ideas. Here are some of their ideas...

Emphasize life skills and life balance in the “start” class for all adult degree programs
a. Associates’ degree-study skills
b. Bachelors degree-org. behavior & work
c. Master’s degree-business, technology thinking skills

Community: I teach a module on using the library’s resources (primarily online resources) in two courses for English majors-one undergraduate, one graduate. I make assignments, and grade them, for 20-25% of the course grade. I have students choose a partner at the beginning of that module and work with the partner, in class, every time we do database research activities. Some of the students have hold of what they need outside of class to work together on their homework assignments for me-and then also on other assignments in other courses.

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Thursday, April 5, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #4 : Using Hubii to Gain a Different Perspective on Current Events



Readers,

My daily newspaper routine usually includes reading the Fort Worth Star Telegram (paper format), listening to NPR, and occasionally listening to the BBC. Unfortunately, this is not a well-rounded approach to getting the news (to gain a world-wide perspective).

As a result, I might start using Hubii. This website enables users to discover newspaper articles by browsing an interactive map.


Pros: The stories are timely and the graphics are crisp!

Cons: The websites try to convince users to track their location. :(

Sincerely,

J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Wednesday, April 4, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #3 : Adopt a Speed Dating Approach to Public Speaking


Four corners classroom set up

Readers,

One of my good friends, Dr. Lora Helvie-Mason is very focused on engaging students in the public speaking classroom. Recently, Dr. Helvie-Mason was asked to author an article for Faculty Focus titled, "Helping Students Find Their Voices: Four Corners of the Classroom".


Enjoy!

Sincerely,

J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #2 : Dress Like a Professor...


Readers,

Dress the part! I usually wear a suit and heels everyday. It is amazing how a simple clothing switch can make a difference in the classroom environment. When I decide to wear slacks and a nice sweater, the students actually react to me slightly differently than they usually react in most situations.

Here are few Pinterest boards related to the topic...

Dream Closet: Professor Fashion

Cardigans. :) 

Teacher Fashion

Love these layers. Pearls say 'I care about myself'.


Sincerely,

J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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