How To End the first Semester Strong

This time of the year, it seems challenging to keep students (and ourselves) focused and intentional about learning.  There are so many things tugging for our attention: the holiday rush, evening programs, special events, etc...   So how do we maximize the learning time with students, enjoy our students, and manage all the other demands on our time?

The Cult of Pedagogy offers several podcasts that remind us of the research-based practices and strategies to consider when experiencing these challenges and feeling overwhelmed and/or stressed.

Here are a few that I found helpful:  classroom management,  ways to take care of yourself,  why you need to see each other teach, moving from feedback to feedforward. student motivation (this is a good one), and several other helpful and relevant topics. 

I love podcasts because I can listen to them in the car, while I work on other things, however, there is also a written summary of the content for those that want to print and highlight to reference when needed. 

It is true that we sometimes create our own chaos, so taking the time to reflect, plan, and prioritize may impact our mindset, actions, and response to actions on us. 

As you reflect on the first semester, celebrate the gifts, accomplishments, and opportunities yet to come and take advantage of the last week to finish strong!

                                         Our students and colleagues are counting on us!