Joy Said:

Ideas for teaching critical thinking to college students?

We Answered:

Hello Kathy. I conduct critical thinking workshops and focus on both left and right sides of our brain to introduce both rational and emotional thinking. In brief, for paramedics I would think managing the emotional (Limbic brain) would be of special importance. Therefore, I would spend a good deal of time on explaining the difference between rational and emotional thinking, recognizing when the emotional brain has "taken over" - for the paramedics, the patient and those around the scene, and how to develop fair-mineded thinking.

I hope this helps you!

Jim Walters, Ed.D, CEM

Rafael Said:

Is a black sleeveless turtleneck appropriate for teaching college students?

We Answered:

Hi Carly!
In all honesty, i'd think a turtleneck is smart only with sleeves. It gives it that element of 'don't mess with me' sophistication that is sought after in a college lecturer. However, perhaps you could make it work, if your arms are super toned?

It's worth asking your colleagues though!

xxx

Mattie Said:

Do you think professors with PhD degrees have to dumb themselves down while teaching college students?

We Answered:

I'm getting a PhD, and I'd like to teach at a college. Just because I passed my graduate courses in physics doesn't mean I'd feel comfortable teaching them! Sure, intro physics is dumbing it down a bit, but that's the point of teaching - making it understandable.

Rita Said:

Please suggest a subject for a research study. I am teaching college students in mathematics.?

We Answered:

Mathematics Unaware. The everyday role mathematics play in or lives that we often overlook, i.e., the building of bridges, buildings, cars, streets, food packaging.

Colleen Said:

College, Age and Teaching College Students?

We Answered:

I am a FIRM believer that you are NEVER too old to go to or go BACK to school. I encourage you to follow a course that you're passionate about, because truly, things will work out for you if you do that. Passion gives you the ability to follow through that goals based on necessity will never get you; I truly believe that and I've seen and experienced it firsthand.

All that being said, professorship is not a secure field. Tenure (the contractual right not to have a potentially life-long position terminated without just cause) is becoming very scarce within the United States; check out the article in today's issue of the Chronicle of Higher Education (link below). If you're prepared to dedicate the next 7-10 years earning your masters and PhD, living by the motto "publish or perish," then go for it! If you want to earn your masters and then teach at community colleges, private liberal arts colleges, or lower division courses at a university, again, go for it! If those are things you're truly passionate about and truly willing to sacrifice time and substantial money for, then you should try at the very least. Just go into it fully educated about the options and the limits that you'll face. You might be eligible for grants now, considering you're a nontraditional student, so there might be ways to offset the amount of loans you'll have to take out. Plus, at the masters level, there are Graduate Assistantships/Graduate Teaching Assistantships (paid work experience at the university, often as an instructor for lower division courses) available that often come with partial or full tuition waivers for as long as you're employed. This is the primary way most people afford masters study. There might be opportunities at the PhD level as well, it depends on the school and the program.

If you do your research (good experience for grad school!) and make an educated choice, going back to college could be the best decision of your life. Like I said, though, know what you're getting into and focus on something that will make you marketable: Sociology paired with a technical/computer specialization could be very beneficial. If you have a family, you'll need to take them into consideration as well: what will it mean for you and them if you're making even less money than you are currently? If that isn't a problem, then what have you got to lose? A job you don't enjoy that doesn't pay well enough for you to enjoy life? I think that's a fair trade to try and chase a dream. :-)

Good luck!

Miguel Said:

Where can i find an educational resources for teaching botany to college students?

We Answered:

I know the place you want.
The Noble Foundation
http://www.noble.org/