Tag Archives: Weekly Update

Student Feedback (Week 13)

Student FeedbackTwo more weeks!  

The italicized comments are my responses.  I value all feedback, opinions, and contributions to the classroom.  Thank you for sharing this with me–it helps me address your needs as a section.  Please review these weekly, you’ll find that it benefits you well.  Be intentional when it comes to your education.  

Section 001 (MW)

  • Presentations today (Wednesday) were very inspiring as well as informative.  I felt like they were more informative about the presenters themselves and opened a window to how culture has affected our classmates.  It was a nice transition.
    • Job well done all around!
  • I love this class.  So glad I took it.  I just keep getting more and more excited about learning from people’s presentations.
  • We are learning about our classmates through these presentations.  We are not only learning about other countries or course material.  It’s all really deep and makes me love this class even more.
    • This specific section is special.  You all work very well together.
  • The people today seem to have good ties and I do not think its coincidence of what countries we all have chosen.  Everyone seems to glow a bit brighter.
    • Great observation!
  • Seems like the presenters have had fun researching and presenting!  Everyone’s done a good job of including the audience in the fun!
  • I’m gaining so much from the presentations!  It has also been such a joy to see how our class has become a mini community!  Just through sharing other cultures we’ve gotten to know more about each other’s individual cultures!  It takes a special environment to create such a hospitable space for these interactions!

SECTION 006 (TR)

  • I love this class and I am going to miss this so much!  I wish I could retake the class, just because it is so much fun!
    • You can always take GS3010EXL and GS3200 with me.  
  • Will you be going to Lollapaloozain Chicago in August?  You should.
    • I’ve never been to Lollapalooza but I’ve been to Chicago.  Love that city!  Have fun!
  • I’ve loved the presentations, this has been such a no stress way to end class, love it!
  • I’m so glad that I am done with the presentation.  It’s really nice to watch presentation without being stressed out about having to worry about your presentation.  My favorite kind of final I’ve had yet.  Have a good weekend.
    • Great feedback, thanks!
  • It’s been a hard month, but we almost made it.
    • You’re practically there!
  • This class uses a lot of paper.  It would be nice to see more paperless techniques.
    • Thanks for the feedback.  I’m aware but can’t figure out how to win this one just yet… I may have to try going to D2L completely.  We’ll see! If you have suggestions, let me know!
  • The projects keep getting better and better.
  • Doing that presentation was actually fun.  I worked really hard and can tell everyone else worked very hard as well.
    • Kudos!  The work you put in pays off!
  • I was initially nervous about this project, but I honestly think it was worth it.  I am learning so much about other cultures and although it is nowhere near traveling to another country, this experience is so enriching!
  • What’s your biggest pet peeve when people are presenting?  P.S. You were rocking that hat today!
    • My biggest pet peeve is people not giving their classmates the attention they deserve.  If it were me up there–that’s a different story because I’m regularly there–but when it’s a classmate it’s disrespectful.  While others may think we (faculty) are oblivious, we are not.  I am aware of participation and lack thereof…but again, it’s also clearly stated on the grading scheme in the course.  😉  And thanks, I got the hat at Urban Outfitters!

Section 009 (TR)

  • These projects are awesome. It’s great to see that you granted us so much creative freedom. It’s so nice to see what’s important to everyone else.
    • Thanks for this feedback! I know it can be a challenge to find a topic sometimes, but once we find it–it is great to see passionate presentations.
  • I love the enthusiasm most of my classmates have for their countries!  I’m a natural procrastinator but I started two weeks ahead of my schedule because I was so excited.
  • Presentations were great today.  I’m so glad mine went smoothly–I guess taking speech totally helps!
    • It definitely helps, but it doesn’t stop there.  Keep practicing!  It’s going to benefit you more in the long run in every aspect of your life.
  • The presentations have been really interesting and makes me want to visit many of the places.  Definitely enjoying the food!
  • Loved the food! Yum! 🙂
  • I enjoy coming to the presentations every class period.  I love to travel!  Can’t wait until I get my degree and I can make the money to travel everywhere!
  • Some girls stole my photoset without crediting me.  I am not amused.
    • I am willing to help you out but because these are anonymous I can not–let me know if you change your mind.  Everyone, always give credit where credit is due.

Student Feedback (Week 12)

Student FeedbackLearning about great places.  Trying new foods.  What an awesome week! (Only three more

Don’t forget to check out the awesome list of recommended music from your classmates.

The italicized comments are my responses.  I value all feedback, opinions, and contributions to the classroom.  Thank you for sharing this with me–it helps me address your needs as a section.  Please review these weekly, you’ll find that it benefits you well.  Be intentional when it comes to your education.  

Section 001 (MW)

  • One thing I’d like to point out about this class is how much everyone has grown, what I’ve learned is to try to be more understanding that everyone may not know about something, not because they are ignorant but because they are just unaware.  Everyone deserves a chance to learn more. I can’t wait to grow more and more!
    • I am also really impressed with the growth and development of the section.  This is probably my favorite thing about teaching at the university level.  Not all classes get to build the kind of relationships that we have, but I definitely try my best to make it a fun, comfortable, and engaging learning environment.  Thanks for sharing.
  • It’s been interesting to learn about all the different countries from presentations but I’ve also found that I really miss the hot topics portion of class.  Discussion about current events around the world is something that I only experience in this classroom twice a week.  This is the only class that allows learning to go beyond textbooks.  I never thought that would matter so much to me.  I’m very thankful for the opportunities we’ve been given to learn from one another: through discussion of hot topics, class activities, presentations and even feedback.  It’s been an incredible semester.
    • OK it’s feedback like this specifically that really helps me out.  I know that hot topics were never a part of your grade, but it does help you become more aware of what’s going on in the world.  I’ve done this for years and while I find it super interesting, it’s good to know that you all are receptive of the information too.  Thanks for sharing!
  • I love hearing from everyone.  Can’t wait to present. Thanks for this!
    • You’re welcome.
  • Presentations are going well!  I think student-led education is a fantastic way to showcase individual talent and a great and effective way to learn about our world!
    • I agree!  I personally just love hearing from those individuals that we don’t get to hear from all semester.
  • Awesome week!  I’ve learned so much and I’m glad that this is what we are doing the rest of the semester.
  • It is inspiring to learn about new cultures!  So many places to go but so little time.
  • Very interesting about Nigeria… I couldn’t imagine seeing oil and smelling it everywhere.
    • Glad you’ve learned something new!

SECTION 006 (TR)

  • Absolutely love this class, and now that I get to sit and learn about these countries…it’s really exciting.   Cheers to a good semester.
    • Cheers!
  • What has been your most favorite food brought in from presentations so far?
    • Different section, but I had a student bring in puri–a type of Indian bread eaten during breakfast or for snacks.  Really tasty!  In this section, I actually thought the Turkish delights today were great.
  • These presentations are amazing.  I love how at the end of every time people say the highlights of the presentation.  By the way, have you heard about the star baseball player in Decatur county, TN at Riverside High School?  It’s right beside my hometown.  He committed suicide.
    • I’m glad you’re enjoying the presentations and positive feedback.  It’s very important that we recognize our strengths.  Thanks for sharing the hot topic, I heard about it earlier today actually–I have a few baseball players who are currently enrolled with me.  It actually made it on national news on USA Today–here’s the article.   It’s sad news, indeed.  Suicide is not the answer, ever.  
  • Vegemite is disgusting.  But I can respect it for its culture.  Vegemite culture!
    • Thanks for trying it.  At least now you can say you’ve tried it.  
  • I like that you allow the class to give immediate feedback–it’s very helpful!
  • Interesting week, gave me a lot of insight for my project.  Have a great weekend.
    • Definitely!  Take some cues from the presenters and bring your best work!  Can’t wait to see it.
  • If you had to pick a country for a final project, which would you pick?
    • Great question.  Today… I’d pick Chile.  But that’s only because I’m going there this summer.  🙂
  • It’s good to see everyone have a good time with the presentations.  I’m kind of nervous about my presentation on the 17th, do you have any tips for public speaking anxiety?
    • Practice!  Try sharing the information with your family and friends. Also, if it helps, bring a friend to class the day you present.  Having a familiar face in the audience can really help calm nerves.  If you have to, keep a paper clip in  your pocket.  Or hold a pen during your presentation to control your jitters.  Visualize yourself speaking…and know that you are confident in the research.  Have good posture, and add emphasis to different points by modulating your voice.  Definitely bring a friend, it’ll make a huge difference–promise!

Section 009 (TR)

  • Where’s the best place to work on your handouts?
    • Check out the computer lab in the BAS.  Actually, a quieter place is in the technology center on the second floor of the library–they have Macs, too!  I recommend using the project gallery in Microsoft Word, they have so many options and ideas for templates to use for the handout.  There’s a color printer in the BAS lab, too.  Check the information desk.
  • I enjoyed these presentations very much.  I enjoy traveling and this helped me to get more background information on countries I plan to visit in the future.
    • I have a list of places I want to go to, too!  These presentations definitely help.  Glad you’re enjoying them.
  • Presentations were really interesting.  I enjoyed learning about different countries.  I liked the different approaches people took to present.  Can’t wait to see more presentations.  I love it.
    • So creative!  Especially the video over DR of Congo and the Egyptian pyramid handout!
  • I love trying new foods!
  • I’m so happy that all I have to do from now on is come to class and eat delicious food!
    • Not a bad way to end the semester… 🙂
  • I LOVE learning about these different countries!  And, I really enjoy that everybody has been so energetic and enthusiastic about the assignments.
    • Without passion it’s pointless!
  • The food is amazing!!  The music from different countries are all great.  The excitement and energy from the speakers makes me eager to do my presentation.
  • I don’t think my project will be as great as all the others.
    • They’ve definitely set the bar pretty high but with preparation you will do well.  Use it as encouragement to challenge yourself to do your best work!
  • Can we get a group together from our class to run the See Spot Run 5K?  Anyone interested?
    • We can work this out.  Let me know!  
  • MLB Opening Day!
    • Boston Red Sox!!!!  

Student Feedback (Week 11)

Student FeedbackCan you believe it?  It’s pretty much April!  You all are so close to finishing the semester!  Finish strongly!  Don’t forget to check out the awesome list of recommended music from your classmates.

The italicized comments are my responses.  I value all feedback, opinions, and contributions to the classroom.  Thank you for sharing this with me–it helps me address your needs as a section.  Please review these weekly, you’ll find that it benefits you well.  Be intentional when it comes to your education.  

Section 001 (MW)

  • The speakers were cool and explained things about study abroad more clearly about expectations.
  • Surprise, surprise…another great week of class.  Keep doing what you are doing, great teacher.  Keep it up.
    • Thanks!  I really appreciate that.
  • I had been wondering where or how  you developed your cultural awareness.  You don’t seem to be just a naive person who likes to travel…
    • I love traveling!  Listening to others’ stories is definitely one of the best ways to learn about other cultures.  Definitely a great practice and keeps me grounded.  I have to remind myself of all the world’s treasures.
  • I’m really excited to learn about how I can plan to study abroad.  Love this class so much I keep trying to talk my friends to take it.
    • Thanks!  I really appreciate that too!  I’d much rather have people who were recommended to take my course–pay it forward!  And thank  you again.

SECTION 006 (TR)

  • Thanks for bringing in the speakers, I would have never had considered studying abroad had you not brought them in.  Now I’m actually considering it!
    • Definitely go!  Life changing experience!
  • The guest speakers today got me so excited about studying abroad!  I can’t wait!
  • I have always wanted to go to Australia, and I am planning on going to talk to them about attempting to plan for my junior year.  I am also very excited to see everyone’s presentations.  It seems as though everyone is putting so much effort into their projects.  I can’t wait.
    • I’m looking forward to it too!  It will be great!
  • I enjoyed the quote and this class.  I wish Global Studies was a minor.
  • Can’t wait to see the projects!
    • You’ll love them!

Section 009 (TR)

  • The guest speakers enthusiasm was contagious, made me excited to at least look into studying abroad.  The classes you take during the study abroad, do they pertain to the country and the trip or are they classes we would have taken at MTSU anyways?
    • Both–actually.  Some classes are specifically offered for different regions, while other courses would count towards general education requirements.  Again, each program is different and it also depends on the study.  Visit the Education Abroad office!
  • I wasn’t really considering studying abroad but I really think they sold me on it.  It actually sounds like I could afford it!  For someone who needs a change in life, it’s just too tempting.
    • Do it!
  • Today was a good day to hear the speakers since I’ve been thinking about studying abroad for a while.  I even researched plane tickets this morning on that student discount site.  $719 for a round trip to Dublin?  Sign me up. P.S. Emerson has always been my absolute favorite.  I love the transcendentalists.
    • Can I go to Dublin too?  
  • I really liked the guest speakers today!  I really am impressed with the fact that there are internship opportunities here at MTSU in the Study Abroad office.  Also, I liked the fact that one of the ladies has a job here at MTSU just after graduating!
  • I’ve learned so much from this course!  It’s helped increase my knowledge on topics I’m already aware of as well as brought new events to my attention.
    • It ain’t over til it’s over!  Still so much more to learn from student presentations!
  • I really appreciated being able to hear personal experiences from traveling abroad.  And the tips were very helpful.
    • Like I said, pack your own personal pillowcase.  Not the whole pillow, just the case.  
  • I really enjoyed the guest speakers and I can’t wait to study abroad  myself.  Also, I recently set my major as Global Studies, are there any specific classes you would recommend I start taking?
    • Welcome to the program!  There is a list of recommended electives for GS majors/minors in our program office.  Stop by there and check out the list!

Music Minute

One of the things that keeps me motivated is music!  When we think about global–music is definitely global!  It connects fans around the world together.  Whether you’re moving to the beat, dancing and rocking out on your air guitar, or connecting with the lyrics–music moves!  Here’s a list of all of the music that my students recommended for me.  I know it was hard to keep it to just one song–but I had such a great time going through and listening to all of the songs.  I’ve actually been sitting here in my office enjoying it all–and I created playlists for you all too!  Check it out.  Talk about diverse tastes in music–so much variety!  I have a list of songs of my recommendations at the bottom.  To get you started, here’s a song that I love about traveling!

Section 001’s Playlist
Secti0n 006’s Playlist
Section 009’s Playlist 

Section 001

You can find the entire playlist on YouTube for your section here!

Section 006

You can find the entire playlist on YouTube for your section here!  

Section 009

You can find the entire playlist on YouTube for your section here!  

Some songs that I have on my playlist currently: