Hodges: Responding

On page 211, Hodges writes, "Some of Emily's interactive comments come from her own experience in Europe." I like this line because it reminded me that I try to make as many personal commments as I can in my notes for a few reasons. First, I want students to know I am reading — and paying close attention — to their writing and using specific examples (hopefully) does that. Second, and this is especially important for online-only classes, I want to bond with students so I am not a faceless entity who does nothing but grades their work. I want them to see me as a person who also (for example) hates celery and sitting in traffic. I make sure my comments aren't about me; rather, they are tiny notes that build a connection by showing them the real person who just so happens to be their teacher. I've found better, stronger conversations have occurred once the teacher-student bond is strengthened because I now know something about them and they now know something about me. We can say more than "hello" to each other in the halls and our discussions can become more focused, both of which lead to a better learning environment for students.

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