Comments for Adjunct Assistance

Comment on What Scares College Instructors Most? by Paul

Paul — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:53:00 +0000

Wow, John. Where to start? By the way, I would be willing to talk to you over the phone. I can tell that you take teaching seriously, but also that you are struggling to deal with under-achieving students. I wonder if you might be afraid of laying an academic egg or that you may be afraid of giving poor grades to students. If this is truly a capstone course, then you should have started off the class by telling your students what that means and what your expectations are. Actually, that is something instructors should do for all courses. As a capstone, keep this in mind. If you go easy on students and pass those who do not participate, what are the ramifications? Have you violated your grading policy? Will a future employer question the standards of your college and of you as an instructor? If you did not clarify your expectations at the beginning, in fairness to your students, you should tread lightly. There are techniques that can bring even unprepared students into the conversation. I would be glad to share some with you.

Comment on What Scares College Instructors Most? by John Morris

John Morris — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 04:40:00 +0000

I have been teaching for almost four years. I’m finally getting my “sea legs” and beginning to truly experiment. I want to include more case study discussion. My biggest fear is I post a case study and nobody reads it.

More likely, a few true “sponges” will have read it and they’ll come prepared to discuss but will remain quiet because the majority of the class has not prepared and has (covertly) made it uncomfortable for them to contribute openly.

Lastly, I am afraid I won’t ask the right questions to get these students to all feel comfortable enough to have a conversation about the case. Somehow, I have to be able to setup a case study so even those who don’t prepare can participate in such a way as to contribute to the students who want to learn.

I teach strategic management. This is one of those topics that is everywhere. It is a capstone course for the college, so it has a long list of prerequisites and all students are senior-level.

What can I do to make case study discussion engaging and participatory?

Comment on Chemistry Learning Game by Travis

Travis — Wed, 04 May 2011 00:34:08 +0000

Hi, I helped develop this game, glad you enjoyed it! Just to let you and everyone know, its also available for the iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch now too, free of course!

Comment on The Perceived Quality of a College Instructor by RHONDA LANGE

RHONDA LANGE — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:56:12 +0000

I have a question. My daughter is in the last quarter of a nursing program and is taking a very difficult class. The teacher is of extremely poor quality and my daughter is on the verge of not passing this last portion. Is there a group that represents students who have poor instructors – a group that evaluates the competency of a teacher in a situation like this? Many of the students who have this teacher are on the verge of failing. I question if it is the students who have the issue or the teacher. Even some of the other instructors dealing with this teacher have complained about her incompetency to no avail. Is there recourse for this situation? Any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you

Comment on 4) Send Me a Message by Mike

Mike — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:14:49 +0000

Hi,
I recently received my Masters in Military History. I would like to teach history at our local community college. I believe that I have the foundation to make a good teacher, but I have one problem. I’ve never had the opportunity to teach and aren’t familiar with how to prepare for weekly lectures. I know that K-12 teachers have to have a certification. Isn’t there something that I can do prepare and present myself and my material in a effective and and interesting manner??
Mike Z.

Comment on Establishing Rapport with Your Students by hannah

hannah — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:38:48 +0000

I am also a teacher and in my eyes the most important one is admitting when you are wrong. Thanks for the article. Fireplace

Comment on How to Find an Adjunct Teaching Position by Paul Onan

Paul Onan — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:31:49 +0000

Dr. Hummel,
Would you recommend ‘sharpening the saw’ by obtaining a certificate in distance education from one of the various online programs offered?

Comment on Getting to Know College Students by Mary Allbright

Mary Allbright — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 17:18:19 +0000

I am so glad that I found your website. You have listed some very important things for an adjunct instructor. Thank you

Comment on How to Assure Classroom Civility and Decorum by buck

buck — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 16:49:33 +0000

This really helped me learn what pleases teachers and helped me write my essay about decorum

Comment on Acting and Learning in the College Classroom by Johnie Stifflemire

Johnie Stifflemire — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:26:07 +0000

Yes, at last someone that shares exactly the same thoughts and ideas on this as myself. Great stuff. Really enjoy your site.