Posts Tagged "difficult subjects"

A Bad Cold. A Surprising Conflict Lesson from Reality TV.

Posted by on Jun 8, 2012 in General, Interpersonal Communication | 6 comments

“You’re the Kardashians’ audience?” “Be careful. You’ll lose brain cells if you keep watching.” In conversations on Twitter where I let two tweeps know that I am a fan of the Kardashians, this was the response. So am I really ready to risk a year-plus worth of what I think is solid blogging credibility to devote a whole post to The Kardashians? You bet I am! Before you close out, let me set the stage for you… First of all, as important as my earlier topic this week–anxiety and depression–it’s time for a little levity, right? Second, I have been nursing a cold inherited by a 4-year-old for a good 10 days...

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The Response: Should You Tell Your Professor About Your Anxiety/Depression?

Posted by on Jun 5, 2012 in Communicating with Professors, General | 17 comments

(When we left off last week, a student wrote in wondering if is appropriate to tell a prof about issues with anxiety/depression that could affect class performance. I am simplifying, but here’s the post. Here is my response to the student. I also consulted Jennifer Sandler, who heads up Access/Disability Services at Highline Community College, for back-up).  Dear Student, I’m going to attempt to give you the best advice that I can. Not to get too cheerleader-y on you, but I’d like to first celebrate the fact that you’re moving forward! Many people with anxiety/depression would stay stuck and not even try to battle through it. You are in the...

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In Honor of my Blogoversary: My First V-Log and My Very First Post

Posted by on Apr 10, 2012 in Communicating with Professors, General | 36 comments

(Happy Blogoversary to me… and to you! It’s been one year since The Chatty Professor began and I thought I’d celebrate with my first Vlog, and my very, very first post. Enjoy! And I can’t wait for our further conversations!)   Plead. Cry. Yell. Play victim. Apologize. After 13 years of teaching, I’ve witnessed all sorts of reactions when students learn that they aren’t getting the grade they “needed.” But this was a first: A bribe. It was almost a “good” bribe, too:  Student would babysit my kids or mow my lawn. I don’t have a lawn. I do have kids. And it is hard to find a good babysitter these...

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Word. Wednesday. Say It Now: “This feels _______ to discuss…”

Posted by on Mar 28, 2012 in General, Interpersonal Communication | 12 comments

Another moment of staring at her computer, and then to see her prof to talk about how she feels! (Here I am again! I didn’t forget Word. Wednesday! And, guess what… it’s still Wednesday! I’m finding my footing with my new blog, so thank you for being patient today. Are you ready for what to say? You can actually use this one any day–it’s a keeper. Here goes!) What’s the word? (This week, it’s a phrase): “This feels risky/difficult/scary/awkward to talk about/mention/discuss…” A plagiarized outline. A recorded speech received in my online class where the student is reading/sitting/without a body (yes,...

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