Wise Words on Things to Give Up–
Category Archives: Education
Teaching with Soul
I Learn Everyday. I Teach.
Every teacher knows this. We are Always Learning. In fact, we learn from our students each and every day.
We know that teaching is not about the teacher, it is about the students. The students are the focus of the classroom, and the students are why we are there. Each one of them comes to us with dreams and it is really a gift that we are given to be there to help them find their path to pursue those dreams.
Teachers–you are truly golden.
xo, Lisa
7 Ways to Retain College Transfer Students
This post is a re-print from Jo Hilman of Noel Levits. For the full post, click Campus officials rate retention programs for college transfer students less effective than first-year student retention programs
7-point checklist for retaining college transfer students, by Jo Hilman
Understanding transfer students’ attitudes, receptivity, motivations, and level of satisfaction with services is important in supporting their needs. The key is to tailor student success programs to these needs. Below are ideas to consider.
Does your institution offer:
1. Orientation programs tailored specifically for transfer students, including segments that address concerns such as transfer of credit, finances, major-related internships, and meaningful work experiences?
2. Programs beyond the usual classroom and advising services that connect transfer students to faculty, staff, and native students within academic or co-curricular interest areas?
3. Peer mentors for transfer students?
4. Assignment of students to an advisor within the student’s major/area of interest with an early focus on confirming or further refining a written academic plan?
5. An advising center devoted to transfer students?
6. Career fairs for students who are undecided about a major?
7. Academic support services based on areas of student need and receptivity?
All of these areas are solid ways to support transfer students and increase transfer student retention.
Related articles
- What Transfer Students Need To Know (connectsmu.wordpress.com)
- Common Transfer Student Advice for Making a Smooth Transition (college.answers.com)
Sunday, Smiling, and Why Being Nice Matters!
This is important: Be Nice to Yourself! 
Sunday is a good day for a little reflection, a little relaxation, and a whole lot of being nice to yourself. Smile. Breathe. Take a minute to recharge and get ready for the week ahead. Remember, studies show that the brain on positive is over 30% more effective than on stressed, or even neutral.
How to get and stay positive: Be Nice…to YOU! Take some time to do at least one thing each day that is just for you. Even if that one thing is only 5 minutes in your day!
Have a great week. xo~Lisa
Got Grit? Why Resilience is “THE” Essential 21st Century Skill
“More than education, more than experience, more than training, a person’s level of resilience will determine who succeeds and who fails.” D. Coutu, Harvard Business Review, 2002.
This is very true. It’s all about resilience. Resilience is the key to success in academics, in the professional world, and in life in general. You have to have the grit to get back up, every time someone, or something, knocks you down.
Because, it’s also true that you are going to fail. At some point in life, you are going to be the one that doesn’t make the team, or forgot to print an assignment that was due, or missed out on the promotion. It will happen and at that moment, you have that choice. To stay down. Where things are easy…or to get back up where it’s messy and hard. Get up, each and every time. Get up, and find a way.
That takes some courage. And I’m not saying that it’s always easy. But you just do it. You get back up. And each time, it gets a little easier. That’s what resilience is all about.
Simple ways to be resilient: Talk to your career counselors, tutorial center, mentors, friends, even parents, and find out strategies you can use this year when things get tough and sleeping in sounds so much better than going to class. Remember too, Michael Jordan’s words, “If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”
Related articles
- 5 Ways to Become More Resilient (theleadersdigest.me)
Books Worth Reading
I’m reading The Book Thief. How about you? What are you reading?
Tutorial: How to Make an Infographic using Piktochart.
This is an amazing tutorial, with step-by-step instructions, on “How to Make an Infographic” using Piktochart, by Mia MacMeekin. I always find her infographics engaging and easy to follow, so I was excited that she did this tutorial and thought it was worth sharing. Like she says, she finds them “simple” to do , but simple often means “hundreds of hours playing w Piktochart.” Still, it’s a skill all 21st educators are going to want to add to their toolbox…so here it is. Enjoy.
Hello, World!
Lots of my friends have been asking me how I make the infographics. I find it very simple. But, I admit that that simple mindset is after hundreds of hours playing with Piktochart. I think I know most of the quirks. Well that was I did until last week when Piktochart updated the website. BUT, I am getting used to the new platform and love it!
Here is a quick overview of how I make them…
~Mia
Public Education: It makes society collectively smarter
“Let me explain why I LIKE to pay taxes for schools…” by John Green
5 Ways a College Degree Pays: a richer life in all respects!
Video: “5 Ways Ed Pays.” A college degree means a richer life-not just in terms of money earned, but in quality of life! Get inspired. Be inspirational. Every student deserves a teacher who inspires! Just be open to good things, and be yourself…that will do!
Do you agree that a college degree means a richer life? Post a comment and join the discussion! We’d love to hear from you!
Wanted: Happy Teachers
For all the amazing educators who help make the world happy! It’s about that “Back-to-School” time around here and…
collegereadycoach.com
The energy we bring to the classroom makes a profound difference on our students and their learning outcomes. The brain “at positive” is 31% more productive than at negative, neutral, or stressed.
What can you do to be a Happy Teacher? I write, share ideas with colleagues, and mentor as ways to stay focused. I also employ “playful learning” strategies, because a place of learning needs to be welcoming and inspiring. Oh, and don’t forget to smile, laugh, and share a little bit about yourself with your students.
How about you? Can you share one idea in the comments for being a “Happy Teacher?” Post your suggestions, tips, and hints here, please. Merci!
Related articles
- A teacher’s heart speaks on the first day of school (coolcatteacher.blogspot.com)
- Q & A on Educating Angels (educatingangels.co)
College Ready 