Dr. Andrea Dinardo, Psychology Professor
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 →
Today’s story begins in the middle of a spin class. The point in time where you feel like giving up the most. Because the middle is always the hardest. Whether it be the middle of a semester, the middle of a week, or the middle of a pandemic. It was thirty minutes into class, and... Continue Reading →
What is Positive Psychology? https://youtu.be/uAFNjr29sy4 "While traditional psychology focused its attention on pathology and problems, in the relatively new field of positive psychology, researchers strive to explore and understand the strengths of individuals and communities that contribute to their flourishing." Source: Psychology Guide Strengths first I am passionate about what positive psychology can do for... 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 →
Liked vs. Respected This question came to mind last week when I took over a college class halfway through the semester. I know how tough it is for students to have 2 professors over the course of a 12 week semester. 2 sets of rules. 2 sets of expectations. So it's more important than ever... 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 →
How can educators help foster stress resilience in their students? We all have stress. It’s a universal human experience. The key is to not let stress become our identity. Instead, with and open mindset and the right set of resilience skills we have the opportunity to reach a whole new level of purpose and well-being. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUh9qqA0x3Y&t=410s Stress... Continue Reading →
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J4oL093oU0 I love teaching about psychology as much as I love writing about psychology. And that's a lot! Psychology is my passion Students First Is My Philosophy Which is why I take every opportunity I have to support and encourage student success and development. Whether it be as a reference for college scholarships. Helping stressed out... Continue Reading →
"How can I focus better when I 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 →
Thriving Under Pressure 