Today marks my 20th orientation with Bachelor of Science Nursing Students at St. Clair College. No matter how many years I attend Fall orientation, it feels like the first time. No matter how many times I work with students, it never gets old. Their first class is my first class. https://youtu.be/4J4oL093oU0 Their struggle is my... Continue Reading →
https://youtu.be/YbMOOGW_A2Y Back on Campus In this psychology video I share one way I engage students at the start of a semester, including this past week when we were back on campus for the first time, in a very long time! Transcript of Psychology Video Read Here Show Them You Care Connecting with students from a... Continue Reading →
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=810whIFASFI&feature=emb_title "Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit." With time, I have come to realize that failure has always been my greatest teacher. Each failure pointed me in a better direction and helped me to develop strength and authenticity, ultimately unveiling who I was and... Continue Reading →
https://youtu.be/czXG8odb7pY A map for transforming stress into strength In my TEDx Talk and leadership training, I discuss how to THRIVE under pressure using 3 stress resilience tools: dr.-andrea-dinardo-thriving-under-pressure-training-and-speaking-servicesDownload 1. Commitment Envisioning a higher purpose above and beyond the immediate stressor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjxCsK2qudw 2. Challenge Reframing stressful challenges as opportunities for growth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7TFtJHASn8 3. Control Focusing on the things... Continue Reading →
Glimpse inside my classroom https://youtube.com/shorts/-KbyDnDI4QA?si=bKM7kj8bFdvcg9_q TRADITIONAL VERSUS POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY "While traditional psychology focuses its attention on pathology and problems, in the relatively new field of positive psychology, researchers strive to explore and understand the strengths of individuals that contribute to their flourishing." Source: Psychology Guide https://youtu.be/qGg70RIiUR8 PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION Strengths first I am passionate about... Continue Reading →
Don’t give up. Great things take time. Sometimes we have to go through the worst. To get to the best. Fall down 7 times. Stand up 8. Today is your day. Your time to rise up! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sw_igZkhv3c Trust and Believe in 2019 This blog post and classroom video above are dedicated to all the students around the... Continue Reading →
Resilience Training & Education During my psychology speech at the “You Can Do College Event” I share the biological origins of stress and anxiety with 600 grade 10 high school students during a 2 day event. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0tKO_mV7uY&t=25s Stress & Anxiety Management I also demonstrate simple strategies for coping with stressful, anxiety-provoking situations. Including: deep breathing... Continue Reading →
Getting to know my students is one of my favourite parts being a professor. Accordingly, I ask students a lot of questions. So it’s only fair that students get to ask me questions too! Why did you become a psychologist? 🎥 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GSJDKR07hDw What’s most interesting about being a college professor? 🎥 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NieGvwEkkEI I would love... Continue Reading →
I love sharing ideas with students. I can’t imagine a better moment in life to learn about purpose and empowerment than when we are young. Which is why I embrace every opportunity to share the principles of positive psychology with students across Canada.The most recent opportunity being a conference called: “You Can Do College.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0tKO_mV7uY... Continue Reading →
Good news to share! I have been working on a TEDx project with the University of Windsor TEDx team since last year. Today I received the news that the finished video was uploaded to the official TED Talks site. Video below — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czXG8odb7pY Stress Resilience In my TEDx Talk I discuss how to THRIVE under pressure using 3 stress... Continue Reading →
“Don’t tell people your dreams. Show them.” I am excited to share an interview, photos, and a short video clip from yesterday’s TEDx Event at the University of Windsor. It was one of the most positive speaking experiences I’ve ever had. Truly magical. TEDx Videoclip TEDx Slideshow TEDx Dream Team Thank you for letting me share... Continue Reading →
I have some exciting news to share! I was recently chosen to be a TEDx speaker for the University of Windsor TEDx Event on Sunday, January 28, 2018. The theme of the event is “Diamonds from Pressure”. Which fits in beautifully with my psychology blog — Thriving Under Pressure. What are TEDx Talks? "A... Continue Reading →
I wrote this on the blackboard for my nursing students today. This is their final week of classes. Which means one final opportunity for me to encourage their success. This is my favourite part of teaching psychology. Every time I face a challenge, I imagine how I can translate it into a motivating lesson for my... Continue Reading →
This post was inspired by the one question students ask year after year: "Why Can't I Remember Anything?" More often than not, it's a focusing and attention issue, not a memory problem. Atkinson–Shiffrin Memory Model An important distinction between attention and memory described in the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVLM9VWCkeU Stay Focused You Can't Do Big Things... Continue Reading →
Students, past and present, motivate me!"The future of the world is in my classroom today." One of my first year BScN nursing students (Mona on the right) asked if I would sign the psychology textbook that I co-wrote and take a photo with her after class this week. She said that an encouraging note and a picture... Continue Reading →
Shifting students positive. So many students come to class anxious and stressed out. The last thing on their minds is learning. Which is why I start each class by asking students what's the best thing that's happened to them today. Reflection ◊ Connection ◊ Motivation Their answers fascinate me. And give me insight into what motivates them.... Continue Reading →
How do teachers compete with smartphones? They don't. Resistance is futile. Competing with a machine is a downhill battle. Instead, teachers must focus on what they do best - connecting with students. Rather than lamenting about students being glued to their smartphone, teachers should consider why students do it in the first place. You can't solve a problem... Continue Reading →
The stress of waiting. The list is long when it comes to student stress. But by far, one of the greatest sources of stress is waiting! Students are always forecasting into the future. Every single moment of student life is about waiting. Waiting for grades. Waiting for summer. Waiting for graduation. Forever in a day. Students... Continue Reading →
I believe in the power of education. Deep down in my soul. And it's this core belief that translates into a high level of enthusiasm and excitement for student success in my classroom.Video of Post: https://youtu.be/4J4oL093oU0 I believe so strongly in the impact of enthusiasm on motivating students, capturing their attention, and enhancing their learning that I wrote my... Continue Reading →
Their will always be critics. Use their words as motivation. Prove them wrong. Focus on your dreams. Not their doubts. https://youtu.be/xwHAgC7AAak Use their words as fuel for inner strength and drive. The world needs your unique kind of wonderful. So don't let the critics get you down. Endurance is not just the ability to bear... Continue Reading →
https://youtu.be/AVLM9VWCkeU?si=QefaAWPnhAh9oWb3 How to focus better when you study Preparation is half the victory. 1. REIGNITE your motivation. Revisit why you are studying in the first place. To one day save someone's life as a nurse. To protect vulnerable children from abuse. To create a business that will employ displaced workers. Your future self will thank... Continue Reading →
"Create a vision for your life that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning!" Why Vision Boards in the Classroom At the beginning of the semester, I ask nursing students to share their reasons "why" they want to become a nurse. Why this program? Why Nursing? This simple "WHY" question gives students... Continue Reading →
Take a long deep breath. Be still. Don't Rush. Find a safe place to challenge your fears and beliefs. Take a long walk. Eat a nourishing meal. Learn something new. Have Fun! Self-Discover. Imagine. Envision. Explore and Begin Again! Sometimes good things fall apart so great things can fall together.
Bittersweet Ending The end of a college semester is always bittersweet. Summer school is no different. The final psychology exam was just this week. And I miss my summer students already. Full disclosure: Psychology is my passion. Pre-Nursing Psychology I am grateful to have met so many wonderful St. Clair College students in the pre-nursing... Continue Reading →
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjPZM2eDDhE Positive Psychology is My Passion I love everything about positive psychology. The research, the content, the discoveries, the real-life stories, and most importantly, the promise of a better life. The opportunity to write psychology textbooks for McGraw-Hill Ryerson and share my enthusiasm for psychology is a childhood dream come true! What's Your Passion? What Moves You? Motivates You?... Continue Reading →
Shifting from Extrinsic to Intrinsic Motivation We live in a world that rewards frivolous behaviour with fame and fortune, so it is no wonder that some students expect their motivation to come from the outside, in the same way that reality show contestants expect to win a million dollars, simply by “showing up”. How can... Continue Reading →
Thriving Under Pressure 