Using Appreciative Inquiry in the College Classroom
For non-traditional students who are working adults or are returning to school years later, the transition to college can be intimidating. Several of my students have expressed how hard it…
The Illusion of Good Class Discussions and What to Do About It
Providing a high-quality education where students have the opportunity to take part in active learning is one of the most important things we can do for our students. Doing so,…
Adding a Live Online Class to Your Course
The ubiquity of online meeting software has made it increasingly easy for professors to include live online class sessions to both brick-and-mortar and online courses. I have learned in recent…
Understanding the Challenges Facing First-Generation College Students
While there have been competing definitions of what it means to be a first-generation college student, one of the most widely accepted of these comes from the Higher Education Act…
Academic Leadership Qualities for Meeting Today’s Higher Education Challenges
It’s been said that no one dreams of someday becoming an academic administrator. It’s a tough job that’s only gotten more challenging as budgets shrink, public scrutiny rises, and responsibilities continue to grow. But what does it really take to be an effective leader?
Supporting Students Who Are Moms
Imagine constantly feeling pulled in multiple directions while trying to balance life as a college student and a mom. Keeping up with readings, devoting time to studying while also working…
Dos and Don’ts When Working with International Students in the Classroom
Annually, approximately one million international students study in the U.S. where they advance science and research in various fields. Many international students go great lengths to accomplish their goals and…
Why Learning About Toxic Leadership Can Help Your Leadership Practice and Knowledge
Over my nineteen years in higher education, I have worked for some pretty phenomenal leaders. These leaders have mentored me, supported me, and have created environments where I (and others)…
Eight Simple Ways to Increase Student Retention in Higher Ed
Educational institutions have a great responsibility of graduating all students with the essential knowledge and skills necessary for success in their chosen field. As faculty, we are responsible to do…
Defining and Denouncing Student Shaming: A Teacher’s Reflection
*Editor's note: Every so often we like to give Faculty Focus readers an inside look into The Teaching Professor. The following article was recently featured on The Teaching Professor. If…