One last time...

This is probably my last post to this blog. The class has been great and fun to synthesis what we have learned previously into projects for this course. One of the significant learnings for me in this course has been that feedback is important and that a group unified on a project can really make some signficant and valuable changes. Here is hoping that one day I can find a job teaching in an enviroment that values collaboration and thrives on achieving goals of unity.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Loved the rain today...my yard was thirsty. The rain today made for a perfect nap and then onto the daily encounter. I'm looking forward to seeing all of my classmates great ideas. It's fun to see how different we all approach an assignment and yet each adds so much value. Looks like I won't be able to make it to class tomorrow. This will be my first missed DH class the entire year. I think I only missed ESPY/measurement once last semester. Somehow I can't seem to get past my OCD of thinking I can do it all; however, my son has his voice "juries" tomorrow and it turns out parents attend. He is singing an Italian piece. He looked relieved when I told him I would stay home. Sorry to miss class...I'll look forward to being with you at our last one.

The OSCE Rush

Kim and Cooke did such a great job last week! They really set the standard high for the rest of us presenting this week. Thanks to Jackie, Kjersta and I are off to a good start with her great suggestions for the clinic map and timing. Designing a film mounting OSCE was simple, yet evertime I look at it, I think of some other aspect that should be considered. It will be fun to see Lisa put some of these OSCEs into practice in the future. I guess the real test of how well I did with mine would be when the students actually take the exam.
See you all tomorrow!

After reading your blogs, I see everyone has enjoyed our beautiful weekend and Easter activities. I tried to get my son to hunt for eggs only to find out he was interested in it if there was money involved. What can I expect from a 17 year old? I must admit I still think of him as "my boy" even though he is really a young man. With school work on my mind, I broke tradition for Easter dinner and grilled steaks. No one complained and we had a nice meal so I am now buckling down to do school work.

I worked on my clinic assessment sheet last week and had fun with that project. I tried to create a rubric. I think it works but will really look forward to your feedback. It is always helpful to have fresh eyes looking at a project. As for the Q & A...I'm thinking of creating a community partner evaluation for service -learning. I have to pull out my service-learning pile and start to generate ideas for what would be important to know. I'm looking forward to Kim and Cooke's OSCE tomorrow. I think seeing more examples will help me solidify mine. Thanks girls for going first!

Spring Fever

After reading each of your blogs, I see that we all have Spring Fever. I didn't get to work on anything this weekend. Church and family obligations kept me hopping. My solution...I am packing up and heading to Minneapolis for the next three nights, returning home on Thursday. With my husband home more, he can hold down the fort and I am going somewhere quiet so I can work! See you in class.
Brenda

Is it really Spring? I have sat at my desk all morning looking out the window hoping the ice on the lake would melt. It sure doesn't look like spring from this view. The house is quiet and I am trying to get a few things done before my son returns from his spring break trip tonight.

I have been working on my OSCE, calibration, etc. I can definitely see why feedback is important when it comes to the development of these. I will look forward to some peer review. I also tried to start a daily student/patient encounter form. All I can say for that is..."Yikes!" I like Mankato's example but would like to simplify a little. I am hoping to see a few more examples before I attempt it again.

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. See you on Monday.

My posture/ergonomics assessment is nearly complete; however, I really wish I had pictures for faculty calibration and teaching. So Friday I had this grand plan...I will take my own. I threw on some scrubs and ran down to an office where I temp occassionally (at the end of their day) and had another hygienist take pictures of me. What a mistake!!! First off, I hadn't slept all week. Second, there is a reason that only younger dental hygienists are used as models in the journals and magazines. Third...no one ever likes to look at pictures of themselves. I showed them to my husband. His response: "Oh, my...you look like your mother." What is that supposed to mean? I now have a better appreciation of professional photographers and photo shop.