Don’t be pushed by your problems, be led by your dreams.

On February 5, 2022February 7, 2022 By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Mantra, Motivation, Psychology Class, purpose, Self Reflection, Student Engagement, Student Motivation, Student Success, Teaching, Thriving, Video

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 higher place is especially important during a pandemic, as it reminds them of their vision and mission post-graduation.

“Why” Vision Exercise, Leadership Conference 2016

Hold the vision. Trust the process.

What’s Your Dream?

Asking students about their dreams is a fun, high-energy exercise that engages the entire class.

Takeaway

The next time you feel stuck in a rut, either in conversation or in thought, ask — ”What Dream Pulls You Forward”?

Our mind is a powerful tool. It has the ability to block our potential or to allow us to soar to possibilities beyond our wildest dreams.
Bruce Lipton

Video of Blog Post
Watch Here

Teacher Enthusiasm Video 
Watch Here

Meaningful Online Connections

On February 9, 2021February 28, 2022 By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Emotional Intelligence, Psychology Class, purpose, Social Psychology, Video42 Comments

5 Ways to Create Meaningful Connections in a Virtual World

This list was initially created for students embarking on a new career during covid-19.  

It also includes EQ techniques helpful for everyone.

Connect with intention.
- Before engaging with someone online, take a step back and ask why you are doing so.
- What is the purpose of the interaction?
- What are you hoping to gain or give?
Make it all about them.
- Listening is an essential ingredient in effective communication, online interactions included.
- Listening also provides a much needed break from monotonous internal dialogue.
- In a virtual world, “listening” often takes place through reading and staying open to another person’s perspective. No matter how different.
- From “Me to We”
Do the people research.
- The first thing I do before I engage with someone online is read their page – literally!
- I read their “About Me” biography. Plus their comments and interactions on social media, blog posts, and articles. And if available, I listen to their interviews and watch accompanying videos.
- I love learning about the people I interact with. Especially their strengths.
Do the company research.
- This is where I get curious about what makes a company tick!
- The people, the history, the economics, the geography, the philosophy.
- The company’s motto and theme song (check out their facebook page).
- Pick up the phone and talk to the receptionist and administrative assistants — the pulse of the organization. And if possible, engage with front line workers and management.
- This is also the time to assess if the company’s core values match up with your own.
- Is it a good fit?
Create a need for your services.
- What makes YOU .. YOU?!
- What makes you unique, different, quirky, goofy, all kinds of wonderful?
- This is the part of the online interaction process where your personality wraps around your talents, education, and abilities.
- For example: when I was a kid, my Dad always said: “Andrea, you better get a job where you get paid to talk” because.. I couldn’t stop talking! (you should have seen my grade 8 report card)
- This is why I come alive in the classroom but would fade away in a research lab.
- What parts of your personality make your skill set stand out?