From Classroom to Bench: A Lab Educator’s Perspective : Education

Interview Skills

Kimberly Whiter — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 03:16:00 GMT

As the years go on, I have noticed a steady decline in the ability of candidate students to conduct a successful interview. The ability to confidently sell yourself and provide a potential employer or professor a well-rounded view of your personality...(read more)

Branching Out

Kimberly Whiter — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:24:00 GMT

Those of us in the laboratory profession know our scene all too well. Closed off from much of the world, listening to the hum of our instruments and running analysis after analysis, and loving every minute of it! I feel comfortable in this environment...(read more)

Do We Offer a Fair Evaluation to Students?

Hassan Aziz — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:33:00 GMT

In the last few weeks and months, most of us followed the news of three trials or events that captured the attention of national media. Casey Anthony was tried for a first degree murder of her daughter, Caylee, but was acquitted. The trial lasted 6 weeks....(read more)

Give 'em a Chance

Kimberly Whiter — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:52:00 GMT

Anyone who has children knows the great parallel between teaching strategies and child rearing. Often times, the same techniques we use to raise our children are directly applicable in the classroom. One such technique is the discipline of standing back...(read more)

Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?

Hassan Aziz — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 02:57:00 GMT

I admit that every once in a while, I find myself dealing with a student that is struggling to learn the basic and essential principles of the material we are teaching while the rest of the class has moved on and ready for new material. By no means, are...(read more)

Criticism – Part II

Hassan Aziz — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:05:00 GMT

Last blog, we talked about receiving criticism and offered a few practical suggestions on how to take it. In this blog, I want to discuss how to give a negative feedback. In your role as a supervisor or a teacher, it becomes your responsibility to be...(read more)

Criticism

Hassan Aziz — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:23:00 GMT

Admit it; no one likes to be criticized. In a typical work day, I receive many comments from supervisors, co-workers, and students that are uplifting and encouraging. Occasionally, I receive a negative comment criticizing something I have done or an action...(read more)

Welcome New Teachers

Hassan Aziz — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:15:00 GMT

My last blog was addressed to students entering our profession. This one is dedicated to new teachers joining the academic field. As a student, I experienced a typical mixture of teachers and different teaching styles. When I became one, I learned many...(read more)

Ready or Not, School Is Back!

Hassan Aziz — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:01:00 GMT

August is here and most schools are opening their doors for new and returning students. For those entering our beloved profession, I am pleased to welcome you to an exciting and dynamic profession. It is critically important for you to realize that health...(read more)

ASCLS Keynote Speakers: Are We Up to the Challenge?

Hassan Aziz — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 02:35:00 GMT

I attended the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) annual meeting in Atlanta. The meeting was a great opportunity to meet members of the laboratory community. The keynote speakers demonstrated, in a debate format, the challenges faced...(read more)

No One Likes to Be Rejected

Hassan Aziz — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:53:00 GMT

No one likes to be rejected whether in a personal relationship or for a professional employment opportunity. While I am not an expert in providing advice for broken personal relationships, I can shed some light on handling professional rejection. Let’s...(read more)

Is Your Degree Worth the Money?

Hassan Aziz — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 02:36:00 GMT

With a rising tuition and a weak job market, many graduates wonder if the degree they just received worth the financial and time investment. There is a good reason for that when they can not find jobs in their field of study. Some attend college knowing...(read more)

Can We Live Without Internet?

Hassan Aziz — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 02:30:00 GMT

We are all aware of the recent events in the Arab world. Some of us were glued to television stations or internet sites to learn about the latest developments. The peaceful demonstration resulted in the fall of the ruling regime in Egypt and Tunisia....(read more)

A Tribute to Jane Hudson

Hassan Aziz — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:19:00 GMT

M. Jane Hudson, PhD, MT(ASCP)SM, CLS(NCA) is retiring on June 30, 2011 after an incredible career as chairperson, program director and professor at The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS. Dr. Hudson opened her doors and arms for me back...(read more)

Can You Hear Me Now?

Hassan Aziz — Wed, 18 May 2011 00:56:00 GMT

Educators always encourage students to talk, to be vocal, and to speak their mind. We like to engage with our students in a lively intellectual discussion about learning and recent events. Students carry on vibrant conversations all day long, but once...(read more)