Category Archives: effective teaching

(#223) The Longest Movie of Your Life

Posted on August 31, 2014 by Steve Piscitelli

It’s my challenge and duty to make the “movie” worth viewing. And it’s their job to be engaged with the movie. The first day of class brought a familiar lament. “Professor, I need you to understand that I work and … Continue reading →

Posted in effective teaching, Student success | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

(#222) Thirty-Three Years of Dreams

Posted on August 24, 2014 by Steve Piscitelli

I never lose sight of the fact that I have an obligation to each and every person in the seats in that room. This coming Monday, I will have the opportunity to begin my 33rd year in the classroom.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in Appreciation, Dreams, effective teaching, Goals, Impact, Integrity, Passion, Purpose | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

(#219) The First Day of Class: People Before Paper!

Posted on August 3, 2014 by Steve Piscitelli

Student success will be enhanced when we establish an environment of personal validation and respect. [NOTE to reader: This week’s post comes from my forthcoming book (work-in-progress) on mentoring faculty.  In the weeks ahead look for posts on this blog that … Continue reading →

Posted in effective teaching, faculty development, Integrity, Making a Difference, Passion | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

(#212) Teachers Make a Difference—Everyday!

Posted on June 15, 2014 by Steve Piscitelli

Think of your favorite teacher, counselor, or advisor. What did she/he do to make a difference? This blog post will be a repeat message for some who follow me on Facebook. It warrants repetition. So thanks for the indulgence I … Continue reading →

Posted in effective teaching, Gratitude, Impact, influence, Making a Difference | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

(#187) Teacher Evaluation: I’m Not A Plumber for a Good Reason (Part 2)

Posted on December 22, 2013 by Steve Piscitelli

I am not defending poor teaching. Far from it. I don’t want the lazy or incompetent or worse in my calling. But do evaluations need to be geared to the lowest common denominator? Last week I wrote about poorly-conceived and … Continue reading →

Posted in collaboration, common sense, effective teaching, Integrity, leadership, Student success | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

(#186) Teacher Evaluation: I’m Not A Plumber For A Good Reason!

Posted on December 15, 2013 by Steve Piscitelli

Just because everyone at one time or another has been in a classroom as a student, that does not make them effective teachers or evaluators. Heck, I use toilets many times each day. That does not make me a plumber! … Continue reading →

Posted in effective teaching, leadership, Life lessons, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

(#141) Reimagining Education for Students and Their Communities

Posted on February 3, 2013 by Steve Piscitelli

We need a fresh set of eyes on how to make education work for the benefit of the students and the communities in which they live. Arthur Levine and Diane R. Dean’s study of college students over a six-year period … Continue reading →

Posted in effective teaching | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

(#134) Marshmallows, Teaching and Learning

Posted on December 16, 2012 by Steve Piscitelli

This exercise allowed them to collaborate, actively search for, and apply (critically think about) concepts and principles in an engaging and memorable manner.  About a year ago I learned of the “Marshmallow Challenge.”  The video at the end of this … Continue reading →

Posted in collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, effective teaching, Student success, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

(#123) How Do I Measure Up?

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Steve Piscitelli

 Relevance, engagement, and passion. Our students deserve it. Our community deserves it. Knowing my passion for any information about student success, my campus reference librarian frequently sends me emails about books, articles, and videos that come across her desktop. This … Continue reading →

Posted in effective teaching | Tagged | 3 Comments

(#59) Lessons from “Larry Crowne”

Posted on July 10, 2011 by Steve Piscitelli

Larry Crowne is a rather predictable romantic comedy. As Tom Hanks said on a television talk show, “I go to school and Julia Roberts is my teacher and guess what happens?”   Crowne (Hanks’ character) faces a series of personal challenges, not … Continue reading →

Posted in effective teaching | 2 Comments