FCS FLASH ISSUE 121:  April 20, 2010
Link to Complete FCS Calendar
April 23: Rancho Cucamonga: Links for Life: Careers Connecting Generations, Chaffey College Gerontology Program
April 23-24: Costa Mesa, Fashion Camp OC
April 29-May 1: Costa Mesa: BESAC 2010
May 14: San Jose: Hospitality and Culinary Arts Professional Development Workshop- Info and Online Registration here!
May 2010: Nationwide: Older Americans Month
 
Good News from FCS
Dolores Robles, Mt. SAC, shares some valuable information about credit scores and credit reports that will help students become more informed and responsible consumers. The Interior Design Department at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to plan and design a project using eco-friendly and sustainable materials. And Sylvia Rubin, the San Francisco Chronicle’s fashion writer gives us her take on how to lessen your carbon footprint with stylish and eco friendly shoes. Roger Gerard, Shasta College, provides info on Street Smart Food, the growing trend of mobile catering with links to help you keep up with the food on the street. Dana Wu Wassmer, Cosumnes River College, writes about the ABCs of Carbs, Fat, and Protein in Protein and Muscle Building. Melanie Horn Mallers, Cal State Fullerton, offers a look at the benefits of long-term marriage. For more information on a Child Development/ECE Instructor position at San Joaquin Delta Community College please follow this link.  

FCS FLASH: Student Success via Positivity
As an instructor, the challenge lies in not only lighting that fire of student engagement, but keeping the fire burning when student apathy and boredom creep into your classroom. As the semester begins to wind down, you can keep your students engaged, motivated, and energized by maintaining and sharing your positive outlook and energy. If you focus on the bright side, identify the challenges and opportunities the end of the semester presents, and help students identify and work toward their best solutions, you will enhance their chances of success. Here are some ideas on how to do that.

Try this:
Ask students a few questions.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement? We are what we think... With our thoughts, we make the world.
What are your thoughts and feelings about the end of the semester?
How or what do you need to do to successfully complete this class?
View the 6-minute video on Positivity.
          What does positivity mean? (Wide range of positive emotions like love, joy, gratitude, interest, hope...)
          How does positivity help? (People who are languishing begin to flourish when their positivity increases...)
          What is the 3 to 1 ratio? (We need to experience 3 positive emotions to every negative emotion to stay positive...)
          What is your positive to negative emotions ratio?
          How do you think you could improve your positivity? (One thing we can do is to focus on more positive information...)
Distribute the Positivity activity, review the directions, and give students time to complete the activity.
Share at least 2 positive stories about successful students in your classes over the years.
Discuss and list several ways your class agrees to create more positivity.
 
FYI: We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world. Buddha

 This newsletter was brought to you by the California Community College Chancellor's Office Family and Consumer Sciences Collaborative Grant (#09-0160). Please contact Joann Driggers (jdriggers@mtsac.edu) or at 909/594-5611 x5203 with any questions.