Comments on: Reflections on Teaching: From Surviving to Thriving http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/ Faculty Focus publishes articles on effective teaching strategies for the college classroom, both face-to-face and online. Sign-up for our free newsletter. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:46:25 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4 By: Chris Palmer http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/#comment-10386 Chris Palmer Sat, 20 Apr 2013 02:52:14 +0000 http://www.facultyfocus.com/?p=39300#comment-10386 Gregory, thank you! Gregory, thank you!

]]> By: Gregory Hunt http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/#comment-10197 Gregory Hunt Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:49:01 +0000 http://www.facultyfocus.com/?p=39300#comment-10197 I have attended your presentations for facutly and I have learned a lot from you. This article keeps me on track to consistently update my teaching. I have attended your presentations for facutly and I have learned a lot from you. This article keeps me on track to consistently update my teaching.

]]> By: Chris Palmer http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/#comment-10063 Chris Palmer Tue, 02 Apr 2013 02:22:02 +0000 http://www.facultyfocus.com/?p=39300#comment-10063 Chris Palmer here. I deeply appreciate all these thoughtful, constructive comments from friends and strangers alike. Thank you so much! Best, Chris palmer@american.edu <a href="http://www.environmentalfilm.org" rel="nofollow">www.environmentalfilm.org</a> Chris Palmer here. I deeply appreciate all these thoughtful, constructive comments from friends and strangers alike. Thank you so much!
Best, Chris
palmer@american.edu http://www.environmentalfilm.org

]]> By: fairlady68 http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/#comment-10057 fairlady68 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:03:27 +0000 http://www.facultyfocus.com/?p=39300#comment-10057 Interesting that you are still reading higher education periodicals like this... Interesting that you are still reading higher education periodicals like this…

]]> By: mindshiftmentor http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/#comment-10007 mindshiftmentor Sat, 30 Mar 2013 17:35:34 +0000 http://www.facultyfocus.com/?p=39300#comment-10007 fantastic article...well written! I experienced the same setbacks and growing pains this past year as I developed my teaching business...an added difficulty was learning to do all this for virtual classrooms as well as in person. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! as always...much love and respect! shantala fantastic article…well written! I experienced the same setbacks and growing pains this past year as I developed my teaching business…an added difficulty was learning to do all this for virtual classrooms as well as in person. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

as always…much love and respect!

shantala

]]> By: Pat Tucker http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/#comment-9985 Pat Tucker Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:53:28 +0000 http://www.facultyfocus.com/?p=39300#comment-9985 I wish I could take a class from Chris. I especially like the tips list. If only everyone in a teaching position (professional and otherwise) would adapt these to their "classrooms" where ever they may be. I wish I could take a class from Chris. I especially like the tips list. If only everyone in a teaching position (professional and otherwise) would adapt these to their "classrooms" where ever they may be.

]]> By: Roger http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/#comment-9915 Roger Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:36:31 +0000 http://www.facultyfocus.com/?p=39300#comment-9915 Chris, I had several teachers that were very much engaged with their students and not simply going through the motions. It makes all the difference in the world to a student that is attentive and pulls in some that may not be so inclined to participate. Clearly you are of that ilk. Kudos to you! It's nice to know that there are still educators with such passion teaching at our schools and universities. I'm think en stand-up fits into this somewhere? Best wishes, RKM Chris, I had several teachers that were very much engaged with their students and not simply going through the motions. It makes all the difference in the world to a student that is attentive and pulls in some that may not be so inclined to participate. Clearly you are of that ilk. Kudos to you! It's nice to know that there are still educators with such passion teaching at our schools and universities. I'm think en stand-up fits into this somewhere?
Best wishes,
RKM

]]> By: Sheila Laffey http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/#comment-9909 Sheila Laffey Wed, 27 Mar 2013 01:06:46 +0000 http://www.facultyfocus.com/?p=39300#comment-9909 Chris - Having taught Film Studies for many years,errr decades, I see myself in just about every one of your observations and appreciate being able to think about them in this organized fashion. I have initiated only some of your suggestions and am seriously considering the other ones. They all make great sense! I am going to recommend this to all faculty at my college! Thanks for sharing your all too common challenges in the classroom and insights! Chris – Having taught Film Studies for many years,errr decades, I see myself in just about every one of your observations and appreciate being able to think about them in this organized fashion. I have initiated only some of your suggestions and am seriously considering the other ones. They all make great sense! I am going to recommend this to all faculty at my college! Thanks for sharing your all too common challenges in the classroom and insights!

]]> By: Craig C. Downer http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/#comment-9904 Craig C. Downer Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:15:24 +0000 http://www.facultyfocus.com/?p=39300#comment-9904 Very insightful! Very insightful!

]]> By: BirdmanHD http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/#comment-9892 BirdmanHD Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:32:50 +0000 http://www.facultyfocus.com/?p=39300#comment-9892 When I taught part-time at a small university, I rapidly became frustrated with student behavior. There I was pouring my heart and soul out - working hard to be a great teacher and not make the same mistakes of my professors. There were several students who took the option of being totally unengaged and did poor work. Since it was a small class, I could see that one individual was literally dragging down the attitude of the rest. One morning, the student came in obviously after an "all-nighter", sleeping through much of the lab. We had a talk afterwards, but it did not help. After the semester, there were no "A's" given. The dean called me -particularly about one of the students- who had been the best but failed to achieve any tangible level of excellence, her parents were wealthy and had been contributing. I refused to budge citing grades and participation through the semester. No one had done excellent work. The dean was clearly upset that I was standing firm. About that time I received a very nice full-time job offer from a non-profit organization, and feeling the new excitement for the future and standing askance- watching politics interferring with the ethics of teaching - I made a clear and swift choice. Even though I was asked to apply later for a wildlife filmmaking professorship to teach at a nice university , because of my earlier negative experience, I never did. Happy with that choice. Like Tim before me, I too see the potential to teach looming as a final means of giving back. The importance of apprenticeship however, has been lost on our culture and may provide an alternative approach. When I taught part-time at a small university, I rapidly became frustrated with student behavior. There I was pouring my heart and soul out – working hard to be a great teacher and not make the same mistakes of my professors. There were several students who took the option of being totally unengaged and did poor work. Since it was a small class, I could see that one individual was literally dragging down the attitude of the rest. One morning, the student came in obviously after an "all-nighter", sleeping through much of the lab. We had a talk afterwards, but it did not help.

After the semester, there were no "A's" given. The dean called me -particularly about one of the students- who had been the best but failed to achieve any tangible level of excellence, her parents were wealthy and had been contributing. I refused to budge citing grades and participation through the semester. No one had done excellent work.

The dean was clearly upset that I was standing firm.

About that time I received a very nice full-time job offer from a non-profit organization, and feeling the new excitement for the future and standing askance- watching politics interferring with the ethics of teaching – I made a clear and swift choice.

Even though I was asked to apply later for a wildlife filmmaking professorship to teach at a nice university , because of my earlier negative experience, I never did. Happy with that choice.

Like Tim before me, I too see the potential to teach looming as a final means of giving back. The importance of apprenticeship however, has been lost on our culture and may provide an alternative approach.

]]> By: Thought you might be interested in my two… « Professor Chris Palmer, School of Communication http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/#comment-9886 Thought you might be interested in my two… « Professor Chris Palmer, School of Communication Tue, 26 Mar 2013 05:49:27 +0000 http://www.facultyfocus.com/?p=39300#comment-9886 [...] http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-t... [...] [...] http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-t… [...]

]]> By: heartfeltassociates http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/#comment-9887 heartfeltassociates Tue, 26 Mar 2013 05:12:58 +0000 http://www.facultyfocus.com/?p=39300#comment-9887 Great article, Chris, and sense of responsibility in the classroom. I taught as adjunct faculty for 35 years at three universities and struggled with many of the same areas of concern. I eventually required attendance and have a fairly simple point of view about it. I view learning as a conversation with everyone listening to each other and learning from each other. When a bright student would say, "I can get the grade I want without being here, I suggested, "We need your voice, your mind and ideas in the conversation. I can't let you out of that. I like Viktor Frankl's assertion in The Search for Meaning that freedom has to be balanced with responsibility. I don't know of jobs where showing up or participating is optional. Even those who work at home are expected to be engaged and involved. I'm not teaching these days, but will store your article for its well stated ideas. I hope to teach again one day when consulting slows down. Tim Great article, Chris, and sense of responsibility in the classroom. I taught as adjunct faculty for 35 years at three universities and struggled with many of the same areas of concern. I eventually required attendance and have a fairly simple point of view about it. I view learning as a conversation with everyone listening to each other and learning from each other. When a bright student would say, "I can get the grade I want without being here, I suggested, "We need your voice, your mind and ideas in the conversation. I can't let you out of that. I like Viktor Frankl's assertion in The Search for Meaning that freedom has to be balanced with responsibility. I don't know of jobs where showing up or participating is optional. Even those who work at home are expected to be engaged and involved. I'm not teaching these days, but will store your article for its well stated ideas. I hope to teach again one day when consulting slows down. Tim

]]> By: MegG http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/#comment-9884 MegG Tue, 26 Mar 2013 04:40:45 +0000 http://www.facultyfocus.com/?p=39300#comment-9884 I met Professor Palmer the first year he came to American University. I was in one of his first classes and I remember learning so much and valuing every class, as if it were an expensive workshop that I was lucky my tuition was paying for. Chris helped get my career started, I learned extremely valuable networking skills that helped me land my first job at the National Geographic Channel. That job helped shape the next 7 years of my life, as I made contacts that eventually led me to move across the country and work on some highly rated cable television productions. I credit Professor Palmer with being one of the most influential people in my career. You only dream about having such an involved and helpful mentor in your life. As I now pursue a venture in entrepreneurship I still remember lessons of connection, funding and tactful follow up that Chris taught me many moons ago. I'm so happy to see that Professor Palmer has continued to grow, anyone who has him as a Professor and is willing to put in the effort will truly be rewarded. I met Professor Palmer the first year he came to American University. I was in one of his first classes and I remember learning so much and valuing every class, as if it were an expensive workshop that I was lucky my tuition was paying for. Chris helped get my career started, I learned extremely valuable networking skills that helped me land my first job at the National Geographic Channel. That job helped shape the next 7 years of my life, as I made contacts that eventually led me to move across the country and work on some highly rated cable television productions. I credit Professor Palmer with being one of the most influential people in my career. You only dream about having such an involved and helpful mentor in your life. As I now pursue a venture in entrepreneurship I still remember lessons of connection, funding and tactful follow up that Chris taught me many moons ago. I'm so happy to see that Professor Palmer has continued to grow, anyone who has him as a Professor and is willing to put in the effort will truly be rewarded.

]]> By: Marissa http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/#comment-9883 Marissa Tue, 26 Mar 2013 04:37:10 +0000 http://www.facultyfocus.com/?p=39300#comment-9883 Professor Palmer is everything he has set out to be as a professor, mentor, and kindhearted individual. I graduated from American University four years ago and even now when I achieve a personal goal or need advice, he is one of the first people I reach out to. With so many other incredibly important commitments he still always answers in just a few minutes. His class taught me how to network, how to collaborate, how to be confident in front of a crowd and a number of other life lessons that have made me a successful business owner at 25 in a field that I didn't realize I was passionate about until he helped open my eyes. He cared about my goals and ambitions, not only the information on the syllabus. He pushed me to be my best, and because he expected it of me and believed in me, I couldn't disappoint either of us. He teaches his students to strive to be the best version of themselves, and I only wish everyone could be so lucky to have him as their professor. Professor Palmer is everything he has set out to be as a professor, mentor, and kindhearted individual. I graduated from American University four years ago and even now when I achieve a personal goal or need advice, he is one of the first people I reach out to. With so many other incredibly important commitments he still always answers in just a few minutes. His class taught me how to network, how to collaborate, how to be confident in front of a crowd and a number of other life lessons that have made me a successful business owner at 25 in a field that I didn't realize I was passionate about until he helped open my eyes. He cared about my goals and ambitions, not only the information on the syllabus. He pushed me to be my best, and because he expected it of me and believed in me, I couldn't disappoint either of us. He teaches his students to strive to be the best version of themselves, and I only wish everyone could be so lucky to have him as their professor.

]]> By: NDJ http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/#comment-9882 NDJ Tue, 26 Mar 2013 04:00:59 +0000 http://www.facultyfocus.com/?p=39300#comment-9882 I took a class from Professor Palmer as part of a graduate program in Documentary Film at American University. I don't think I've had a teacher that gave so much time to his students outside of class. He really cares about his students and was an inspiring educator. I took a class from Professor Palmer as part of a graduate program in Documentary Film at American University. I don't think I've had a teacher that gave so much time to his students outside of class. He really cares about his students and was an inspiring educator.

]]> By: John http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/#comment-9879 John Tue, 26 Mar 2013 02:30:09 +0000 http://www.facultyfocus.com/?p=39300#comment-9879 I have seen students who are exactly as Old School says - they choose not to come, they fail, and the second time around they have awoken to reality and they become significantly stronger for it. However, I also have students who do not come, fail, retake the class, do not come, and fail again. If only there was one key way to awaken all of the 'sleeping' students. I have seen students who are exactly as Old School says – they choose not to come, they fail, and the second time around they have awoken to reality and they become significantly stronger for it. However, I also have students who do not come, fail, retake the class, do not come, and fail again.

If only there was one key way to awaken all of the 'sleeping' students.

]]> By: Old School http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/reflections-on-teaching-from-surviving-to-thriving/#comment-9842 Old School Sat, 23 Mar 2013 18:08:22 +0000 http://www.facultyfocus.com/?p=39300#comment-9842 I'm one of those professors who believe it is the students’ responsibility and choice, as adults, to attend class. I have found that relatively many students choose not to come to class or do the work necessary to pass. As a result, many students don't pass and have to retake the course. It is during the second time around that something really important happens: students take responsibility for their own learning, come to class (not because I said they had to, but because they choose to), and very frequently do extremely well. I believe that this "life lesson" of taking responsibility for your own success is perhaps the most valuable lesson learned in class. By requiring attendance, I would deny students the oportunity to learn that lesson. I teach a large lecture class, so issues may be different in smaller, discussion-oriented classes. I'm one of those professors who believe it is the students’ responsibility and choice, as adults, to attend class. I have found that relatively many students choose not to come to class or do the work necessary to pass. As a result, many students don't pass and have to retake the course. It is during the second time around that something really important happens: students take responsibility for their own learning, come to class (not because I said they had to, but because they choose to), and very frequently do extremely well. I believe that this "life lesson" of taking responsibility for your own success is perhaps the most valuable lesson learned in class. By requiring attendance, I would deny students the oportunity to learn that lesson. I teach a large lecture class, so issues may be different in smaller, discussion-oriented classes.

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