For Students: Finding Balance and Building Resilience

Master Time Management Procrastination and disorganization can fuel stress. Use planners or apps like Google Calendar to organize deadlines and prioritize tasks. Break large assignments into smaller, manageable steps to avoid last-minute cramming.

1. Set Realistic Goals Not every class demands perfection. Focus on progress over perfection by setting achievable goals. Celebrate small wins to stay motivated.

2. Prioritize Self-Care Regular sleep, a balanced diet, and physical activity aren’t just good for your body—they’re essential for your brain. Even a 20-minute walk can help reset your mind and reduce stress.

3. Learn to Say No Overcommitting to extracurriculars or social events can lead to burnout. It's okay to decline invitations or scale back on activities when your workload is heavy.

4. Seek Support Use campus resources like counseling services, tutoring centers, or peer study groups. Sometimes, just talking to someone who understands can make all the difference.

For Professors: Cultivating a Supportive Classroom Environment

Recognize the Signs Burnout often manifests as disengagement, frequent absences, or missed deadlines. Stay attuned to these signs and consider how course demands might be contributing.

1. Provide Flexibility Offer reasonable accommodations like extended deadlines or alternative assignments when students are clearly overwhelmed. Flexibility shows empathy and can prevent burnout from spiraling.

2. Set Clear Expectations Overly vague instructions or inconsistent grading policies can add to student stress. Ensure that assignments, rubrics, and deadlines are clear and accessible from the start.

3. Encourage Work-Life Balance Remind students to step away from their screens and take breaks. You can also lead by example—avoid sending emails late at night or overloading students with busywork.

4. Foster Connection Create opportunities for students to collaborate and build a sense of community. Group discussions, peer review sessions, or informal check-ins can make students feel supported.

For Both: Open Communication is Key

A simple conversation can bridge the gap between overwhelmed students and well-meaning professors. Professors should encourage students to share their struggles without fear of judgment, and students should feel empowered to advocate for themselves. This mutual understanding can lead to a more supportive and less stressful academic environment.

Burnout prevention requires teamwork. When students and professors work together to identify stressors and implement practical solutions, the academic experience becomes more manageable—and even enjoyable. Education is a journey, not a race, and preventing burnout ensures that everyone crosses the finish line stronger.

Do you have strategies for preventing burnout, either as a student or a professor? Share them in the comments below—I would love to hear from you!

Here’s how college faculty can embrace AI as an ally in education:

1. Personalized Learning Paths

AI tools can help create personalized learning paths for students. By using adaptive learning platforms, faculty can tailor content and assessments based on individual student needs and progress. Tools like DreamBox or Knewton adjust the difficulty and type of questions based on how a student is performing. This creates a customized experience where students learn at their own pace, ensuring that no one falls behind and advanced learners are continuously challenged.

Tip: Use AI to track student progress and provide data-driven insights into which areas each student needs the most help. AI can flag students who may need additional support, allowing faculty to intervene early.

2. Automating Routine Grading Tasks

Grading is time-consuming, and AI can streamline this process by handling routine assessments, quizzes, and even certain types of written assignments. Platforms like Gradescope use AI to assist with grading large batches of student work, from multiple-choice questions to complex assignments requiring partial credit. This frees up faculty to focus on higher-level tasks, like providing more detailed feedback on student projects or facilitating discussions.

Tip: Incorporate AI for assessments where objective grading is feasible, such as math or science problems. Reserve more subjective tasks, like essays or presentations, for traditional grading to ensure students receive personalized feedback.

3. Encouraging Creativity through AI Tools

Rather than fearing AI as a tool for cheating, educators can use it to promote creativity. Tools like ChatGPT can help students brainstorm ideas for essays, projects, or research. These AI-driven platforms offer suggestions and help students structure their thoughts without doing the work for them. Additionally, AI art tools such as DALL-E can inspire students to create visual content for projects, particularly in art, design, or marketing courses.

Tip: Encourage students to use AI as a brainstorming tool, and make it clear that while AI can assist in generating ideas, the students are still responsible for creating and developing their own original work.

4. Enhancing Classroom Discussions

AI tools can be used to enhance classroom discussions and encourage participation from all students, including those who are hesitant to speak up. Platforms like Elicit or Socratic allow students to engage with material and ask questions in a non-intimidating setting. Faculty can incorporate these tools to guide discussions or to provide deeper insights into complex topics, ensuring that quieter students have a voice.

Tip: Create a blended learning environment by incorporating AI tools into classroom discussions. Let students use AI-generated questions or ideas to contribute to in-class debates and discussions.

5. AI-Powered Tutoring and Support

AI-powered tutoring platforms, such as Socratic by Google or Crammer Bot, offer students on-demand assistance outside of the classroom. These tools provide instant help with homework and complex concepts, offering students explanations, resources, and step-by-step guides. Faculty can encourage students to use these tools for additional support, reinforcing classroom material and promoting self-guided learning.

Tip: Recommend AI-powered tutoring platforms as supplementary resources for students who need extra help. Integrate these tools into course syllabi or provide tutorials on how students can use them effectively.

6. AI in Research and Academic Writing

AI tools are becoming valuable resources for research and academic writing. Zotero and EndNote help students with citation management, while tools like Grammarly or Quillbot assist with improving writing quality. These AI-driven platforms help students focus on content while minimizing mistakes in grammar, citation, and formatting. Moreover, Jasper AI can assist students in drafting ideas or summaries for larger research projects, making the process more efficient without compromising academic integrity.

Tip: Encourage students to use AI tools for improving their writing and research skills but set clear guidelines to ensure that AI tools are used ethically and responsibly, rather than as shortcuts.

7. Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Future

By integrating AI into the classroom, faculty help prepare students for the increasingly AI-driven world. From healthcare to finance, many industries are adopting AI technologies, and students will need to be familiar with these tools to succeed in the workforce. Teaching students how to use AI responsibly, critically analyze AI-generated content, and collaborate with AI will give them a competitive edge in their careers.

Tip: Incorporate AI literacy into your curriculum. Have discussions about how AI is transforming various industries, and assign projects that require students to use AI tools relevant to their field of study.

Conclusion: AI as a Teaching Partner

AI can be a valuable tool for enhancing the learning experience in the classroom. Rather than viewing it as a threat, educators should embrace AI to personalize learning, streamline grading, encourage creativity, and provide students with the support they need to succeed. By integrating AI in thoughtful and ethical ways, faculty can foster an environment where both students and teachers thrive, preparing learners not only for academic success but also for the future workforce.

I'm so excited to share with you about The BETTER Planner, a journal designed to help you reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and actions and make meaningful changes to your life. Each week, you'll be asked a question that will guide you toward becoming a better person over the course of a year.

But why should you get The BETTER Planner immediately? Here are five reasons:

1. It's a great way to stay motivated and on track. The weekly prompts in The BETTER Planner will help you stay focused on your goals and make progress toward becoming the best version of yourself.

2. It's an excellent source of inspiration. As you work through the journal, you'll be exposed to new ideas and perspectives that can help you see the world differently.

3. It's a perfect tool for self-reflection. The BETTER Planner encourages you to take a step back and think about your thoughts, feelings, and actions, which can be incredibly powerful in helping you grow and improve.

4. It's an excellent way to build healthy habits. By regularly answering the weekly prompts, you'll be able to identify areas of your life where you can make positive changes and build habits that will serve you well in the long run.

5. It's an excellent gift for a loved one. The BETTER Planner would make a thoughtful present for a friend or family member looking to make a positive change.

The BETTER Planner is a priceless resource for anyone wishing to make significant life changes and become the best version of themselves. The BETTER Planner has you covered if you're trying to stay inspired, discover motivation, reflect on your life, create healthy habits, or make a nice present. Get your copy right away to start your path to becoming a better YOU!

Set specific and achievable goals. Set clear, achievable goals for your personal or professional development. This could include learning a new skill, starting a new project, or exercising regularly. When you have clear goals in mind, staying motivated and focused is easier.

Create a positive work environment. If you're working from home, creating a comfortable and conducive work environment is essential. This could involve setting up a designated workspace, organizing your materials, and creating a schedule that works for you.

Find ways to stay connected. Social isolation can be a significant challenge during the pandemic, and finding ways to stay connected with others is important. Consider joining online groups or communities related to your interests or staying in touch with friends and family through video calls or social media.

Take breaks and prioritize self-care. It's essential to take breaks and prioritize self-care, especially during times of stress. Make time for activities you enjoy, such as reading, exercising, or in nature. It's also a good idea to practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, to help reduce stress and maintain a positive outlook.

Get plenty of sleep. Make sure to get enough rest each night and establish a regular sleep schedule. Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining mental clarity and motivation.

Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet is essential for maintaining physical and mental energy. Focus on eating various nutrient-dense foods, and limit your intake of processed or sugary foods.

Find a support system. Having a supportive network of friends, family, or colleagues who you can turn to for help and encouragement can be helpful. Consider joining a support group or seeking the guidance of a therapist or coach if you're struggling to stay motivated.

Seek out new opportunities. The pandemic has brought about unprecedented change and uncertainty, and it can be challenging to know the future. However, it's important to remember that change can bring new opportunities. Consider exploring new career paths, taking on new challenges, or learning new skills that can help you stay motivated and engaged.

Stay positive. It can be easy to get caught up in negative thoughts and feelings during times of stress, but it's essential to try to stay positive. Try to focus on the things you're grateful for, and practice positive thinking and visualization techniques to help you maintain a positive outlook.

Find ways to give back. Volunteering or helping others can be a great way to stay motivated and connected to your community. Consider finding ways to give back, whether volunteering your time or donating to a cause you care about.

By following these tips and strategies, you can stay motivated and focused even during the pandemic. Remember to be kind to yourself and to take things one day at a time, and you'll be well on your way to maintaining motivation and a positive outlook.

Stay Motivated

I know that at the end of the day, I need to take care of myself. That's why I make sure to get enough sleep. Studies show that sleep deprivation can cause serious consequences like anxiety, depression, and weight gain.

So, make sure you get enough sleep each night. You deserve it!

1)Stay motivated- Losing your motivation is one of the most common reasons people give up on their goals. However, it can be difficult to stay motivated when you're feeling down or overwhelmed.

2)Stay active- Make sure to exercise at least 3 days per week for 30 minutes to an hour each time. This helps reduce stress and depression, improves sleep, strengthens muscles, lowers blood pressure, and boosts brainpower.

3)Get enough sleep- Sleep deprivation has serious consequences.

4) Stay hydrated- Drinking water keeps you energized and can keep you away from other drinks that are more harmful to your body.

5) Drink green tea- Drinking green tea can help your body release toxins and improve your immune system to fight off sickness.

Find Your Motivation

These are some methods that helped me stay motivated. They may work for some, but if they don't, find the motivation that works for you.

1) Find your why- Why do you want to achieve your goal? Is it for your health? Your family? Your happiness? The feeling of accomplishment? Whatever your reason is, take a moment to write it down. Remind yourself of this daily when you're feeling unmotivated.

2) Stay focused- Focus on the end goal instead of the small tasks. Think about how much easier it will be to take care of the small tasks when you've accomplished the big ones.

3) Reward yourself- Reward yourself when you've accomplished a task or reached a goal. This will make you want to keep going and keep trying.

4) Find a mentor- Find someone who has accomplished what you want to accomplish and ask them for help.

5) Journal- Journaling is a great way to get everything out in the open and express your feelings.

Remember Why You're Doing This

The most important tip for staying motivated is to remember why you're doing it. If you're struggling, take a step back and think about why you're making the changes you're making.

Think about the person you want to be in a year from now. You will have accomplished your goal and look back at the time it took with gratitude, knowing that you did what you set out to do.

The journey may not always be easy, but in the end, it will be worth it.

Be Kind to Yourself

Be kind to yourself. If you aren't feeling motivated, or feel like you're not making progress, stop and take a break. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your mental health is to not do anything.

Set Realistic Goals

It's important to set realistic goals. If you're not realistic with your goals, you're setting yourself up for failure. For example, if you've decided that you're going to lose 50 pounds in 2 weeks, that's obviously not going to happen. You'll burn out or become discouraged if you set unrealistic goals.

Instead, set attainable goals for your fitness routine. If you work out 3 days a week for 30 minutes each time, aim to increase it to 5 days a week at 30 minutes each time. That way, you'll be able to stay motivated and ultimately succeed in reaching your goal.

Track your progress- You can track your progress by keeping a journal or fitness log. This will allow you to see how far you've come and how much more you still need to go.

Reward yourself- When you're able to reach one of your goals, reward yourself! This will encourage you to keep moving forward and help build the habit of celebrating success.

Intentionality

Successful people put intentionality into everything they do. They are intentional with their health, their relationships, their business, their life, and especially their goals. The more intentionality they put into their life, the more successful they become.

Being a successful person is a series of small, intentional daily decisions. That is why being intentional with everything you do is essential to success. In fact, studying success proves that there is a direct relationship between commitment and success. When you are intentional with everything you do, you will be able to be successful.

Successful people are intentional about the decisions they make. They understand that nothing in life is a coincidence and that there is a cause and effect for everything that happens to us. The one thing that successful people do is that they take responsibility for their actions and work hard to achieve their goals. Successful people start with the end in mind, know what they want to accomplish, make decisions accordingly, and take steps daily to achieve them.

Intentional people are often great examples of what it takes to be successful. They set goals, make plans to achieve them, and then take the necessary steps to get there.

Are you Intentional?

Fear and the lack of Discipline are significant causes for any obstacle you may be facing in life. Not everyone can make it through life unscathed.

Fear

Fear can stop us from achieving our purpose. Fear is one of the most common obstacles that can prevent someone from achieving their purpose. Fear is a huge motivator, but Fear can also be a huge inhibitor. It's Fear that keeps people from becoming better. We understand that sometimes Fear can get in the way of achieving your purpose. However, it's important to remember that even though Fear can hold you back, it's the lack of Fear that will make you successful.

The Fear of failure can block your path to success. Fear of failure is the limiting factor that prevents us from moving forward. When Fear prevents you from moving forward, it's time to confront your Fear and analyze its source. Once you know the origin of your Fear, you can develop a plan to conquer it. By realizing this, you might be able to defeat Fear and reach your purpose.

Discipline (the lack of)

We know that many people may have difficulty achieving their goals because they are not disciplined enough. To achieve your purpose, it takes some discipline. Discipline is the courage to follow through on your goals, even when it gets hard. Most of the time, we know what it takes to achieve our purpose. However, some of us are not focused enough or disciplined to do what needs to be done to achieve our goals.

Fear and Discipline are two things that may be preventing you from achieving your purpose. Fear has a firm grip on many people, and it can be a huge roadblock that keeps them from reaching their goals. Discipline does not have to be a bad thing that those who have been through hard times have been taught to use as a tool to help them control their lives.

Now that you know that Fear and the lack of Discipline may be preventing you from achieving your purpose, how will you use this knowledge to #BeBetter?

Please reach out to me anytime for more advice and follow my blog to stay updated on my latest posts.

College can be difficult at times, especially if you are a freshman or if you are far away from friends and family. Staying motivated will help you to be successful while you are enrolled in college and also later in life. This article describes some of the things that you can do to stay motivated and focused on getting the best education you can. College is not rocket science unless you are studying to become a rocket scientist! The decisions and choices that you make while in college will have an impact on your life after college. But, everyone makes mistakes. The key is to learn from your makes so that you do not repeat them. Use these tips to stay motivated during your college experience. Remember, this is the "best time" of your life!

How to stay motivated during college

Sometimes, you may find that you are motivated to do some of the tasks on this list, other times not so much. The key is to have a plan to stay motivated. You can still have motivation when your plan is not working out. Here are some tips to stay motivated during college: 1. Plan – having a plan in place will keep you motivated. You know exactly what you are going to do to stay motivated and then go about doing it. There are also times that you do not have a plan in place and then you will need to find other ways to stay motivated. The important thing is to know what you want to do and then find out how to do it. There will be times that you may need help and there is no one that you can call and ask for help. The important thing is to be aware of your options and plan accordingly.

Imposter syndrome

One of the things that college students face is imposter syndrome. This is also known as the Hanszen syndrome. According to Wikipedia: "In the context of achievement psychology, impostor syndrome is a phenomenon in which individuals perceive themselves to be impostors, as inadequate or worthless. It's often referred to as "not-good-enough syndrome" and is one of the most common mental blocks to accomplishment. While the prevalence of impostor syndrome is not yet known, it is recognized as being prevalent among a number of fields and professions." When you are trying to do your best in college and try to have a good GPA, this impostor syndrome can cause you to feel as if you are not capable. However, you have all the time in the world to learn and grow as a student.

Keeping a positive attitude

Saying that college is difficult, or that the university has been cold, or that you have to move away from home can put you into a negative cycle. I understand that people sometimes get very stressed when they are away from home and away from familiar people and routines. But, you can only beat the challenges in your life if you are facing them with a positive attitude. This does not mean that you do not get stressed or that you do not get homesick, but it means that you must understand that it is important to be emotionally resilient. Try to avoid using negative energy and try to focus on what is positive in your life.

Advice for freshmen

Stay positive, do not dwell on mistakes Acknowledge your mistakes, and learn from them Learn from the mistakes of others and do not blame anyone You are NOT a failure, go to class and keep on going! Be realistic about your goals and what your experience is going to be like Take notes, write down questions and make a to-do list Follow all of the rules Continue to be respectful and compassionate to others Enjoy your college experience, don't stress Allow yourself to take a break and take a walk in nature Enroll in a class that you think you will enjoy Understand that there will be things you do not understand and ask questions Talk to an adviser and get an Academic Advisor to help you if you have problems Travel to college and study abroad if possible.

The importance of sleep

It has been proven that adequate sleep is very important to your health. The National Sleep Foundation states that adolescents need between eight to ten hours of sleep per night. Sleep is needed so that the body can restore itself after a day of being awake and it is also needed to learn and develop. If you do not get enough sleep, it may affect your mood, learning, ability to make decisions, and your ability to stay focused in class. Do not skip classes because of lack of sleep, but make sure that you get at least seven hours of sleep each night. You can accomplish this by setting a regular sleep time and making sure that you have the proper amount of sleep each night. Strength training Most college students don't do any strength training.

Conclusion

College is a time of exciting discovery and creative thought. College can be a time of study or a time of fun. Be sure that you maintain balance. Strive for personal growth and professional success while you are attending college. You will be surprised at how good it feels to achieve something great in life. If you find that you are not staying motivated and focused, try some of the things that we discuss here.

Guest Article by Cheryl Conklin at Wellness Central

Sleeping poorly can affect your entire day. You may feel exhausted at work, get cranky with your family, or skip out on hobbies and activities because you’re just too tired to participate. It can also affect your mental health and exacerbate issues like depression and anxiety. How can you improve the quality of sleep you get each night? And how can you change your life so that you find it easy to fall asleep at night instead of tossing and turning? These resources courtesy of Dr. Christopher J. Hall will help you switch up your bedroom design, chill out before bed, and even choose supplements that promote relaxation.

Helpful Aids

You may find that certain aids assist you in sleeping. Try out these teas, vitamins, and dental solutions to enhance your quality of sleep.

• These tasty teas and other caffeine-free beverages can be soothing to sip as part of your nighttime routine.

• Incorporate these vitamins into your diet to get your circadian rhythm back on track.

• Orthodontic treatments like aligners can help cure more serious sleep issues like sleep apnea.

• You can skip office visits when you use an at-home aligner like byte. 

Bedroom Design

Creating a dark, cozy environment in your bedroom is the key to getting a solid eight hours of sleep. Here are some changes you can make in this space.

• Is your uncomfortable mattress keeping you up at night? Check out this buying guide before purchasing a new one.

• Keep the temperature in your bedroom cool to stay comfortable all night.

• Darken your bedroom with heavy drapes, fabric blinds, or other decor choices!

Lifestyle Changes

Certain health and lifestyle choices might be preventing you from falling asleep at night. Here’s how to restructure your day to establish a consistent sleep schedule and support your mental health.

• Make more time for exercise in your schedule to tire yourself out by the end of the day.

• Reduce your caffeine intake so that you actually feel tired rather than energized in the evening.

Relaxation Techniques

Before you get under the covers, you’ll want to take some time to let go of your stress from the day. These techniques can help you get in the right mindset to fall asleep.

• You can do these simple breathing exercises to calm down in the evening.

• Try doing yoga or meditating before bed to boost your well-being and clear your mind before going to sleep.

• Guided imagery and positive visualizations can help you drift off into dreamland.

Sleeping well at night is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. It’s also essential for your mental health. There are many reasons why you may be staying up at night, but if you can address these issues, you will be able to boost your mental health and enjoy a much higher quality of life overall.

 Photo via Pexels

1. Stay Focused

2. No Excuses

3. Be Better

These three principles have helped to shape my life to this point.

Stay Focused

The first principle, Stay Focused, means that we have to Stay Focused on achieving our dreams. Once you have committed yourself to pursue your dreams, thing (life) will happen to distract you. Sometimes life gets in the way. Those distractions can be events, personal issues, or even people. There are so many distractions these days that often we face more than one distraction at a time. Because there are so many distractions, we have to remind ourselves always to Stay Focused.

When you develop a plan to take you from where you are to where you want to be, staying focused becomes a little easier. There will still be distractions and obstacles that come between you and your goals, but having a defined plan helps to keep you on the right track and moving in the right direction.

Many years ago, I was a Correctional Officer in a Medium-Maximum security prison. Over time, I noticed that many of the inmates would decorate their cells/lockers as much as regulations allowed. This was a common practice, so there was nothing strange about it. One of the Correctional Officer’s daily duties is to inspect several inmate cells. This number varied depending on the unit you were assigned to, program, supervisors, or any other nuance within the system. The primary purpose of this duty was to disrupt the flow of contraband inside the prison. The inmates never knew which cells were going to be searched or when, so hiding contraband was risky. One day, I was inspecting/searching a few cells in the unit I was assigned to work. Inmates are usually present when this occurs, so from time to time, correctional officers engage the inmates in conversations or give directives. 

I entered the cell of an inmate that I could tell that he had many years under his belt. Inmates with a little time inside tend to act a bit differently from inmates who have been inside only a short time. Over time, an observant officer could spot the difference between the two. I immediately noticed that this inmate cell was immaculate. He was “squared-away.” His bed, locker, and space were all well organized and clean. I thought to myself that this man must be prior military because of how neat his area was, so I asked. He answered that he had never been in the military, but wanted to know why I asked. I explained that the appearance of his cell and how organized it was, was indicative of someone who had some military bearing or experience. He told me that he kept his cell in that condition so that it remained a cell in his mind. He said that when guys (inmates) decorated their cells, they do it to make it more like home, more comfortable. He added that he never wanted his cell to feel like home. That way, he could Stay Focused on doing the things he had to do to get out and go home. That chance conversation immediately resonated with me and has stuck with me.

It is like that inmate implied, often people get too comfortable in bad situations instead of staying focused on what they need to do to get better. We get too relaxed sometimes with our current situation. Complacency kills! When we become complacent, we lose focus and miss opportunities that can cost us dearly. 

No Excuses

The next of the three principles is No Excuses. The No Excuses principle means that we have to hold ourselves accountable for our actions or lack thereof. We alone are responsible for our outcomes. We dream our dreams, we develop our plans, and so it is only natural that we are held accountable for seeing our plans to fruition.

Master Yoda said, “Do or Do Not, there is no try!” I think that this was his way of telling young Skywalker to stop making excuses. Most of the time, we have to “do it” to get it done. We cannot control anyone else’s actions, only our own. When we realize that we alone are accountable, it is empowering. It is empowering because we hold ourselves to a higher standard. Each of us knows our true potential and, therefore, in the best position to measure our progress accurately. If we are sincere, we know when we are performing at our highest levels and when we are not. When we perform at our highest level, and the outcome is not what we wanted, there is no reason to make excuses because we have done our best. The negative result tells us some things. Maybe we need to reevaluate our plan, method, or both. Perhaps we need to find a way to get better. The most important thing is that we learn the lesson and use what we have learned to Be Better.

Be Better

The final of the three principles is to Be Better. Be Better means precisely what it says; each day, I wake up with the intent and desire to be better than I was the day before. With being better my focus, the principle reminds me that the swift does not win the journey, but to he that endures. Life and success are often not a sprint. They are more like a continuous, long-distance race. And, in the race, you have to be careful not to take off too fast because you will burn out just as quickly. You have to pace yourself so that you can last for the duration of the journey. You have to be careful not to move too slowly as well because moving too slow is just as damaging. When you move too slowly, you will not make enough forward progress, and that can have a very negative effect on your motivation. Be Better also reminds me that there is NO external competition. I learned a long time ago through life experience and sports that we have no control over the actions or performance of others. I only have control over what I can do and how I perform when doing it. I realized that if I continued to measure my progress against that of others, I would always be miserable. All of us have our separate races to run.

The Be Better principle also directs me to make continuous incremental positive improvements, and they will lead to great long-term success. This process is known as the Kaizen Philosophy or method (I will have to write a detailed post about that another time). However, what it means is that to get the elephant out of the room, we have to do it chunk by chunk.

Often we set giant goals because we have all be taught to “Dream Big,” Swing for the Fences,” and I am a big advocate of dreaming big. What they do not tell you is how to get from where you are to where you want to be. They also do not tell you how much time it is going to take. And, the truth is that I can’t tell you either…specifically, just being real. I do not know what your dreams are or what motivates you; only you have that information. What I can do is give you a scalable blueprint that will allow you to achieve your dream, no matter what it is.

First, you need a clear vision of what your dream or goal is (be as specific as possible). Next, you have to research to find out exactly what it is going to take for YOU to achieve your dream. Once you have taken care of the first two steps, it is necessary to plot your route from here to there. The focus at this point is to make those continuous incremental forward steps that I mentioned earlier. Instead of trying to conquer the entire mission in one session, break it down into achievable steps or phases. For example, if your dream is to write a book, most of us cannot write an entire book in one session. Try starting with a chapter. If that is too much, write a paragraph. Still too much, then start with just a sentence. Even if you start with just writing a sentence each time, you will have that paragraph, then a page, followed by a chapter. It does not matter how much you accomplish, just that you accomplish something positive that moves you toward your dream. The key is to remember to break those big projects down into smaller, manageable tasks. After you have spent some time doing this, you can look back to see just have far you have come and how much you have accomplished. That is the real motivation.

These three principles provided me with a blueprint for moving my life forward. I am sure that if you use and apply them to your journey, they will serve you just as well.

We have to Stay Focused on achieving our dreams, remember to make No Excuses for our performance, and to strive to Be Better than we were the day before. When we apply these three principles to our lives, we become UNSTOPPABLE!

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.

Where does that feeling come from?  For me, it came from the routine of doing the same thing day in and day out. I am not a Borg! Thinking about this one day, I had to have a heart to heart talk with myself.  I had to remind myself that I am the only one who can decide whether I am happy with what I am doing or not.  And, if I am not happy with “my routine,” then I should decide what would make me excited about Mondays and do that instead.  I love what do…but, realized that I stopped looking at why I enjoy what I do. After that little chat, I felt rejuvenated and I have not had the “Monday Morning Blues” since.  I had to rediscover my WHY!

1. Setting the Tone
2. Preparing Your Classroom
3. Being the Pressure Release Valve

Classroom management starts from day one, and it continues throughout the semester.  If you have been teaching for a while, you may have an advantage.  Students talk, and your reputation (good or bad) will always precede you.  Students that you have taught in the past will share their impression of you with other students when they mention your name. Let's face it, students like a disorganized class as much as we do! Students expect their instructors to have their "stuff" together.  Do you start class on time or do you show up "just in time?" Students watch you and make value judgments based on your actions.

Set the Tone

Instructors must “set the tone” on the first day of class.  Sometimes after we have been teaching for a while, the first day of class may become just a routine.  We introduce ourselves and hit the highlights of the syllabus.  The saying that “You only get one chance to make a first impression” applies to the college classroom as well.  Students form an opinion of their instructors from the first class meeting and how the instructor conducts that class.  Sometimes a student makes the decision to keep or drop because of that first impression.  Here are several strategies that you can use on the first day to set the tone.

     1. The Syllabus

The course syllabus is the first place that students look for how the course will be conducted.  A well thought out, clear and concise class outline goes a long way.  Spend some time explaining the rules of your classroom so that every student knows your expectations. It is also a good idea to provide examples when possible.  This process gives the students multiple opportunities to ask questions. You can refer to the syllabus and the first day of class when small issues arise during the semester.  Classroom management, just like any other type of management technique, should be ongoing.

    2. Be Clear in Your Expectations

Make sure that all of your course rules are understandable.  The time that you take on the first day establishing the tone of the course will benefit you and the students for the rest of the semester. Your rules should be clear and to the point. Some instructors create a page that the students sign and turn in stating that they have read and understand the class policies. I have never done it, but hey, do what works for you or what your college requires.

    3. Explain your Role

Sometimes we forget to let the students know what our role is.  They know that we are their instructor, however, do they know what your role is if there is a classroom disruption?  How will you handle it?  What if there is an emergency?  Do the students know where to seek help if you are not in the room when something happens?  You can answer these questions in your day 1 class overview.  Let them know that in the event of an emergency; this is what I will do.

If you do all of these things on the first day of class and remind the students of the rules during those “teachable moments,” it will carry your classroom management techniques a long way.  Many of the students that we encounter may not know what it means to be a college student, so it is up to us (faculty AND staff) to develop them into their role.

“Remember you can start off very strict and relax as the semester goes on, but you cannot start off very relaxed then get strict!”

Prepare Your Classroom

The same way that you the way you carry yourself in the class, the physical appearance of your classroom makes a statement as well.  If your room is disorganized, students may view you as disorganized as well.  Go to class a few minutes early and straighten the room a little.  For me, most of the time it is just pushing the chairs under the desks or picking up a piece of paper. You get bonus points when the students see you do it.  It shows them that you are concerned about their learning environment. I found that when I make that part of my routine, some of the students that arrive to class early will assist me.

Once class begins, I suggest that you around the classroom when possible.  Moving around the classroom also helps with students’ focus and cheating during tests. As you walk around the room, many students will move book bags or purses out of the way to keep aisles clear. 

When it is almost time for class to end, ask the students to check their immediate area for any trash or belongings that we do not want them to leave behind. Finally, request that they place the chair back under the desks when they depart.

Be the Pressure Release Valve

There are times when we have to discuss information or ideas that some students in the class have strong feelings about. It is great to know when we are going to cover those subjects because then we can plan.  We can brief the students the class or week before so that we can all prepare.  As instructors, we have to be the Pressure Release Valves.

When discussions get tense, sometimes the instructor (you) have to step in and moderate. Other times, you may have to stop the discussion altogether.  Remind the students that a college classroom is a place for open discussion.  However, we have to know that other people have beliefs and ideologies that are different and may conflict with our own. In our academic environment, we treat everyone with respect.  Over the years, I have learned that every class dynamic is different. I can teach one class about a sensitive area, and it gets a yawn. An hour later, I present the same material, and the class is a power keg. As instructors, we can learn the dynamics of each group as the semester goes on.

When it is possible to determine which student is the “fuel.”  That is the student that should be addressed directly.  It is just like when there is a fire at a gas station, we have to hit the ‘Fuel Shutoff” button before we can start putting out the fire.  If we fail to do that, fighting the fire is useless.  We can make most heated discussions better if we can just get the students to make their statements or viewpoints toward us.  We never want a lively discussion among students to go too far.  Sometimes when that happens, it can become personal and confrontational.  At that point, you should remove the person that is the aggressor from an audience. I am not telling you to grab the person and drag them out into the hallway. I am suggesting that you ask the person to speak with you outside the classroom or in your office. When the person no longer has an audience or is removed from the discussion, they usually calm down. Then, you can talk to them to get to the root of the matter.  Many times there is an underlying issue that must be addressed, and you can refer them to other campus or professional resources.

Throughout the semester, remind the students that you are available outside of class to discuss anything covered in class that remains unresolved in their minds.  When you do not address unresolved issues, they can fester over time and explode later in the semester.  Every so often tense discussions will continue outside of class, and we want to limit that if it becomes non-academic.

One of the techniques that I often employ is to make sure that I have the last word.  As the Pressure Release Valve, we can decompress the students before they leave the class. I usually inject a little humor, then give a summary the discussion.  But that’s just me, you have to do whatever works best for you.

Classroom management can make your teaching time a pleasure or pain.  It is up to you to establish what behavior(s) will or will not be accepted in your classroom. You can control most disruptions inside the class, but your college's policies determine how you handle issues when they arise. Classroom management is all about having a well-thought out plan, and sticking to the plan when issues arise. Even if you do not have a plan, act like you do. Like Dr. Phil says, "Fake it 'til you make it!" Students WILL follow your lead.

One last thought and this one requires that you use your “Spidey Sense.” Anytime that you get that “tingling feeling” from a student because of something they said or wrote, document it.  Write it down and keep an active file of those events. You will find that many times students will say little things numerous times before the bigger incident.  Because they are sporadic at best, we never put it all together until after something happens.

Do you have any classroom management techniques that you use in your courses?  I am always interested in new ways to create a better learning environment for my students.  Please share them in the comments below. Thanks in advance!

For addition resources see:

http://www.fusionyearbooks.com/blog/classroom-management/

I started using Remind in 2012 and the students that use it, love it, now they ask for the codes to opt-in.  Trust me, your students will love it too.  Remind is easy to use, even for non-techies.  It only takes a few minutes to set up each course, add in the due dates for major assignments, homework, or even field trips.  Once I have created my syllabus and course calendar, I use it as a guide to adding the information to Remind.  Once class starts, the students have the syllabus and they can opt-in to Remind.  The students that opt-in get the reminders to their phones via text message or email (most prefer text messages).  It has increased my ROTI, Return on Time Invested.  

I have convinced a few colleagues to try Remind and most like it as much as I do.  But, there are always some “Negative Nellies” in the bunch.  I get the usual stuff like, “They already have the syllabus,” or “You are coddling them too much,” and the one I like the most is, “There is no Remind in the real world!”  What world do they live in?  I always ask them if they write down stuff on their calendars or put appointments on their phones, it’s the same thing!  We have just moved into the 21st Century…. Ha!  The bottom line is that I want my students to be successful and Remind is another tool that helps to make that happen.  You too can use Remind to engage your students at another level and increase their opportunities for success.  

Tweet it: The bottom line is that I want my students to be successful and Remind is another tool that helps to make that happen.

Here are the three reasons why you should consider adding Remind to your arsenal.

Reason 1:  Communicate with students in real-time

Remind allows you to create short messages and send them to your students immediately.  Your students do not have to log into their email account to check messages, they get them as texts.  When situations change, as they sometimes do, you can update the students in a few seconds.  For example, when we have to change classrooms I can send a quick message with the new room number.

As a bonus, Remind affords you the opportunity to send a class short, quick messages of encouragement throughout the semester.  I feel that it connects me with the students and keep them engaged.  As we all know, the more engagement we have with our students, the better.
There is a Remind app that you can download to your phone (iOS and Android) that makes selecting a class and sending a quick message simple.

Reason 2:  Schedule reminders for the entire semester

The Remind interface lets you set up reminders for the entire semester at one time.  The system that works for me (after discussing with previous students) is to set a reminder a week before the assignment is due, then another the day before.  In addition to the syllabus and you telling them in class, the student has several prompts to get the work done on time.  Just set’em and forget’em!

Reason 3:  Students can opt-in or opt-out at any time

After you set your courses up, Remind provides a code for each one.  You give this code to the students if they desire to get reminders.  If you do not feel like writing, Remind has handy-dandy PDFs that you can print out, upload to your course, or display in class.  I do the last two.  I upload the sheet to our LMS in the specific course so the students can opt-in at any time during the semester.  On the first day of class, I display the sheet on the board and give the students a few minutes to text the code to Remind.  This allows me to send a test message while in class to check whether the students entered the code correctly and then address any problems.  It takes less than ten minutes.

Think of the reminders as little nudges or prompts.  We give students a number of assignments throughout the semester to promote learning or reinforce what we have taught in class.  If Remind can increase the amount of learning activities that the student completes and supports persistence, we all win.  Head over to Remind.com and get started today.

Bonus Use:    You can also use Remind to keep in contact with and engage the members of a student organization.  

What app(s) have you used or currently use that make your job easier?  Tell me in the comments below so that I can add them to my teaching arsenal.

The Focus on Enrollment

I think it comes down to funding.  Under many community college funding systems, enrollment determines how much money a college receives each year.  Colleges are rewarded for building their enrollments and very little was said about how many students actually graduate from those institutions.  This indifference to student success and graduation seems to be changing.  In recent years, community colleges have come under greater scrutiny from accreditors, state and federal governments, and private organizations because of their failure to produce graduates.  What do you think would happen if funding were directly related to graduation?

Performance-based Funding

One of the potential ways to coax community colleges into focusing on student success and graduation is through Performance-Based Funding (PBF).  The thought of PBF strikes fear in the hearts of some community college administrators.  It means that community colleges will have to care about student success and therefore graduation.  Performance-based funding brings with it a set of unique problems as well:

1.      How do we define performance-based Funding?

2.      What ‘performance’ will be measured?

3.      Who will measure this ‘performance?’

4.      Will this performance-based system create some unintended consequences like grade inflation or the       “weeding-out” of students who are more likely to be unsuccessful?

Access

Community colleges were created to provide greater access to higher education and they have done very well in that regard.  The National Center for Educational Statistics reports that 39% of all college students attended community colleges in 2014.  This means that 6.2 million students who made the decision to attend a two-year institution have a very low chance of success.  We have removed many of the barriers that prevented students from entering higher education.  Now, we have to finish the job.  We have to work to remove those barriers that prevent community college students from persisting to graduation.

Barriers

There are a number of barriers that may prevent community college students from persisting to graduation.  Many new students come to the college unprepared and have to take a number of developmental/remedial courses before taking a single college-level class.  Others have to work and can only attend part-time.  They have families and children, they tend to be older, and many are the first in their family to attend college.  All of these barriers may be compounded by the financial burden they may affect these students.  They also have to find a way to pay for tuition, books, in other indirect costs like school supplies and having to alter or cut back on work hours to attend classes.

What Can Community Colleges Do?

Well, what we cannot do anymore is ignore the student persistence problem we have in our community colleges.  If stakeholders are calling for more accountability when it comes to student success and graduation, community colleges have to shape up or become obsolete.  Many of the barriers that community college students face fall outside of what the college can do.  However, some barriers can be reduced or removed immediately.

1.      Create guided pathways.

2.      Examine alternatives to development education.

3.      Start college planning earlier with parents and students.

4.      Reduce the time to obtain a credential (Stackable certificates that lead to a degree).

5.      Develop college support systems for first-generation college students and others that may have a                higher risk of being unsuccessful.

The people that come to our community colleges do so to have a better quality of life.  We owe it to our students to do all that we can to increase persistence and help them obtain their college goals and/or to graduate.

WHAT DO YOU THINK WE CAN DO TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS BE SUCCESSFUL? 

Tell me in the comments.

Take a moment and imagine that you graduated from high school last spring.  You had decent grades and decided to go to your local community college for your first two years and save your family some money.  As part of the admissions process, you took the college’s placement test.  Afterward, you have your first meeting with an enthusiastic admissions counselor.  She explains that your test scores mean that you must take several developmental courses BEFORE you can take any of your college-level courses!  You ask more questions only to find out that the courses that you are required to take are the equivalent of middle school Math and English.  There is a sinking feeling in your stomach as your mind flashes back to your recent graduation.  You remember how proud you felt as you walked across the stage with family and friends yelling your name as you received your high school diploma.  The reality hits you and you begin to feel that the last four years of your academic life are worthless.  You are NOT alone!

High School Graduates are Not College-Ready

Many recent high school graduates feel the same way when they make the decision to further their education.  Complete College America (CCA) reports that 42 percent of students entering college were required to take developmental courses. This means that approximately 1,700,000 students per year start in remediation.  In April, the ‘Nation’s Report Card’ stated that “Most High School Seniors Aren’t College or Career Ready.”  Less than 40 percent of the students they tested scored as college or career ready on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP.

What?  Five years of elementary school, three years of middle school, and four years of high school…for what?  What do you have to show for your all your time, sweat, and yes…tears, a high school diploma that amounts to a middle school education!  Do you feel that you have been cheated, bamboozled, tricked, and lead astray?  Well, what are you going to do about it now?  Are you going to go back to your old high school and demand your money back?  What about all that time you spent in grade school?  Will you just pay for, and then take those developmental courses to get the education you thought that you had?  Those courses that are supposed to get you “College-ready?”  I don’t know about you, but I believed that high school was supposed to prepare you for college, among other things.  You graduated.  The real question is, "Do you have a high school education?"

Contact the school board, call the district superintendent, and make an appointment to see your local legislator!  Shout it out to anyone that will listen.  Let people know what is happening EVERY day with our high school graduates.  Many are receiving a high school diploma, but only have a middle school education!

As a parent, a student, or a taxpayer, how does this make you feel?  Now, what are you going to do about it?  Let me know in the comments.

My philosophy was that we could not do anything about how good the other team was. The only thing that we could control was how well we performed.  Over time, “Be Better!” became one of my coaching mantras.  I know that “sunk in” with some players because from time to time I would overhear an experienced player tell a rookie to “Be Better!”  It created a team culture where everyone gave their all…. most of the time.  When they did not, someone else on the team would remind them to “Be Better!”

I purposely never defined exactly what I meant when I said, “Be Better!”  I wanted people to define within themselves what being better meant.  Was this the right approach?  I do not know.  However, I believe that people was forced to think about it and set a standard for themselves.  It, in my opinion, caused an introspective review of one’s talents, skills, and abilities, then a projection if how to get even better from that point.

For me, “Be Better!” also applies off the field.  In my personal and professional life, it is what drives me toward excellence in everything that I do.  It motivates me to push myself to work harder, faster, longer, and smarter than anyone else.  This is what I attribute to the successes that I have achieved in my life.  There is nothing inherently special about me, I just push harder.  I am willing to do whatever it takes to earn the next success, to reach the next goal.  It reminds me of a Will Smith quote I read some time ago and it stuck with me…

 “Be Better!” means different things to different people.  And, the meaning changes from time to time and varies between goals.  So, each of us has to define what “Be Better!” means.  What does “Be Better!” mean to you?  Tell me in the comments below.

This time of year, most of us are looking toward the end of the semester.  Some of you are anticipating graduation. With so many things going on in our lives outside of school, it is quite easy to relax and “coast.”  Some of you have taken your foot off the gas pedal and are hoping that your momentum will carry you across the finish line.  I submit to you that THIS is not the time “coast!”

I have been involved in athletics for most of my life and I have learned that GREAT athletes never just “coast.”  Whether it is the 4th quarter, the 2nd half, or the last lap, they do just the opposite.  Great athletes give everything they have in their being to finish STRONG!  They turn it up, shift into high gear, or “dig in” for their final push.  In other words, “All pedal, No brakes (breaks).”

How many times have you seen a good team that was leading at half time, come out in the second half and get beat by a great team that decided not to “coast?”  When you mind is locked on “coasting,” even an extraordinary skill set will not allow you to perform at peak levels.

As you go unwind for Spring Break, catch your breath, but stay mentally focused like a boxer between rounds.  You landed some good punches, but you have taken some too.  However, this is the last round and nothing you did before matters if you get KNOCKED OUT!

Have a wonderful spring break, come back rested, ready, and committed to give it your all until the final bell!  NO COASTING!!!