October 11, 2017 Dear Professor Portugal, My name is XYZ. I am an alumni student from the University of XYZ located in San Diego, CA. I was in your Facilitating Instruction for Diverse Adult Learners class. The online course was from April 01, 2014 - May 12, 2014. I was in the Master's Education online program. I am not certain if you remember me or not. But I never forgot you. You were my favorite online instructor. The reason I am contacting you, is to tell you how you impacted my life, and how I paid it forward.
At the time of your class, I was not only a college student, but also a single mother of one son who was a junior in high school. My life centered on my son. Although I was in college, I did not put the focus on myself. Going to school was just another task. Before your class, I was just another student going through the motions: not really thinking highly of myself, or the importance of what I was in the process of doing.
Taking online courses was not my cup of tea. Nor was it my first choice. I learn better in a class room environment (so I thought) than an online one. I thrive on immediate face-to-face feedback from instructors and classmates. Unfortunately, when I decided to enroll in the Education program at the University of XYZ, it was only offered online. I was extremely disappointed.
The first few online instructors I encountered did not necessarily foster a warm relationship. It was a challenge to feel a connection with them. When I took your class, I thought it was going to be the same. But it wasn’t. The difference was your tone. It was friendly, upbeat, and sincere. The one word you used in your communication with students that changed the opinion and view that I had of myself is….. scholar.
Professor Portugal, when you addressed me as Scholar XYZ, something shifted inside of me. Something that I never knew was there. Self-pride. That word placed the focus on me: Not the mother me or the employee me, but me, an individual. It meant I mattered. Scholar meant that I was smart, that I was striving to be the best that I could be, and that I could achieve. As adult learners, we are not necessarily encouraged with those words. But I grew confident in my academic ability. I embraced it because you addressed me as scholar.
I am happy to inform you Professor Portugal that I graduated in 2015 with a Master of Arts Degree in Education/ Adult Education and Training: Here’s the clincher, I graduated with a 4.0 grade point average. Amazing. After graduation, I enrolled into Next Dimension University. It is a Christian university. I had the opportunity to student teach at the university and referred to my students as scholars. I explained to them the reason behind the term.
The Chancellor at my school was so impressed with the professional connection I had with my students and asked if I would mind if he used “scholar” in his dialogue with the student body. In fact, he encouraged the faculty to refer to them as scholars. I graciously shared with the Chancellor the story of how you referred to me as scholar, and that is the reason why I referred to my students as scholars.
Professor Portugal, I could not take the credit for the student’s excitement in learning. I had to pay it forward and give you the recognition. With that said, my own desire to thrive in academia came to a close in August. I graduated from XYZ University on August 19, 2017 with a PhD in XYZ. It was a special graduation. The theme of graduation was, “The Scholars Are Coming.” Unbelievable! The graduation was spectacular. By the way, I was the Salutatorian.
In closing, although it has been three years since I took your class, it was important for me to share with you the impact you had on my life. Because of you, I was able to impact others as well as my son. When I first met you, my son was a junior in high school; he is currently a junior at XYZ University (black historical college in Atlanta, GA). He too is a Scholar! God bless you Professor Portugal.
With gratitude, Dr. XYZ
Wow! What a great way to end the class and especially when I found out the writer of the article. The reference is for an unpublished manuscript. Any chance to receive more of the material. This being my last post I have to take the time to tell you Dr Portugal that when I become a online instructor the practices and procedures you utilize will serve as a model. I mentioned in the beginning of the class how surprised I was at your responses to the discussion questions. My remarks only scratched the surface. I did not realize to what extent you would continue and provide not only valuable feedback but quality direction, excellant references and materials and responses which make responding a task often found difficult and time consuming.
Your posts and infusion of materials made logging into the discussion forum a pleasure not a torture. In other classes I have searched and searched through responses looking for a post worth commenting on or responding to. You made that portion of the class very easy. I mentioned earlier about my collection folder. It is chock full of great information thanks to you.
The article says things I have never heard before in regards to online learning. The statement regarding us old guys being willing to share experiences and knowledge is yet another one of your posts which hit home with me. I hope my willingness to share my experiences in education and life have been evident in my posts and work. I have led a very full life and have had opportunities and experiences which equal and at times parallel those of Forest Gump. I enjoy sharing those experiences and adventures with others as a way to guide and perhaps prevent them from making many of the mistakes I have made over the years.
Thank you for showing through your actions what a quality, caring, and extremely competent online instructor should be. You have set the standard high. I will use your actions, practices, and procedures as a template when I finally get an opportunity to become an online instructor myself. Thank you for one of the best classes I have taken at XYZ. I sincerely hope our paths cross again. peace...bill las vegas, nevada pst
This instructor was very encouraging and motivating. She was very quick to respond as well. Lisa Marie is one of the best, most inspirational instructors I have had at XYZ in over 3 years. I have not said this often but she is amazing and I just love her! Great course!
Lisa Marie Portugal ROCKS! She is BY FAR the best instructor that I have had in my entire time with the University of XYZ. I just wish that I could have had her for more of my classes throughout all the programs I have been involved with.
Student Engagement Master's Level Class December 14, 2017 at 10:32pm Dr. Portugal-- I just want to say thank you so much for helping me improve my writing throughout the last 5 weeks! And I also want to let you know that the screencast feedback was awesome! It is almost as if we were having a conversation! I wish more professors would do that. Thanks again,
Adolescent Development and Learning Process August 7, 2017 at 3:24am Dr. Portugal, I wanted to let you know, I thought you were an excellent guide for this class. I never fill out the surveys, but I did for this class as I thought your commentary on our discussion board, the requirements for our replies, and the fingerprint announcements helped us learn a lot more. No professor at XYZ that I had was more hands on than you--some would only reply to comments weeks 1 & 4. Thanks for all your help and guidance.
Re:Clinical Hours Dr. Portugal, I waited until I received my grade for the major assignment before I wrote this. I want to thank you for challenging me this course. You have, by far, been the toughest professor I have had at GCU. You are demanding and have very high expectations of your students. I really had to work hard this class. Honestly, it has been my hardest, yet most enjoyable, class to date. You made me think outside the box and pushed me to find even more knowledge. Thank you. You have made a great impression on me and I expect to take that same attitude as I push my students toward excellence this year. God Bless This comment came from a master’s level class I was taking in 2017 not teaching… Jun 22 at 8:10pm Manage Discussion Entry Lisa!, I just sent you a personal message on your dedication to your work and your knowledge. I love that you put so much time and effort into your work. I look forward each week to reading your discussion and comments because of how informative they can be. I sometimes feel as though you are the teacher in this online class and your just checking up on everyone's work and your comments are always pleasant with a touch of knowledge inside of them. As far as your book goes, I very much look forward to reading about it. Always great work with your discussions!
Community Engagement, Outreach, and Collaboration June 16, 2017 at 5:46pm I have to tell you this class has been by far my very favorite! Thank you!!!! Happy weekend!!!
Feedback from management based off the student evaluations that term… Tue 5/23, 6:50 AM End of Term FeedbackRW Hi Lisa, I hope your term started well yesterday. We wanted to take a moment and commend you on your hard work last term. We read the student evaluations and it's obvious that you put a lot of extra time and effort in supplementing the course both by your participation and the additional optional materials you gave students. Thanks so much for giving XYZ and our students such commitment.
Today, 6:48 PM Hi Lisa, Hopefully you were able to enjoy the time off between terms! We were reading the student feedback from last term and wanted to commend you on how well you connected with students, especially through your contributions on the discussion board. As you can see from their comments, they truly appreciate when professors are active in their conversations and several mentioned that you challenged them to think beyond the questions posed in the course. Thanks for taking the time and making the effort to support our students like that. It's why they are happy to be at XYZ.
This email was sent to my supervisor by one of my teacher candidates… Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2017 8:20 PM Hello! My name is XYZ. I wanted to send an email to you about Strengthening Literacy with professor Lisa Portugal, which I just finished. This is my ninth course through XYZ and is in the top two courses in regards to how much I learned. This course was overwhelming at first, because of the abundant articles to read. Professor Portugal also provided additional resources to read and review. However, each article was interested and added to my understanding of student literacy. As I told Professor Portugal, with the literacy information, I now have more insight on why the students in my school struggle with reading to learn. They do not have the comprehension necessary to support the acquisition of content. This course has also opened my eyes to the nonexistence of a literacy program in our distance. Even at the elementary school level, there is nothing consistent in place that is universal from campus to campus. We have multiple students in the sixth grade who cannot read at even a Kindergarten level. Clearly, we have a big problem, here! Another component of the course that was made relevant by the professor was the announcements. Professor Portugal created presentations to help inspire our own teaching practiced and also asked questions to help stimulate higher order thinking outside of the course itself. To be honest, this is the first professor that I wish I could have in person. I know that the discussions in class would be dynamic and contribute so much to the course! I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the course and appreciate XYZ's Curriculum and Instruction Masters program. Thank you,
Strengthening Literacy May 13, 2017 at 11:32am Professor Portugal, Thank you so much for an inspiring course experience. This has been one of my two favorite courses from XYZ. The other course was Leadership. I feel that I can utilize what I have learned from both courses on a daily basis. With the literacy information, I know have more insight on why the students in my school struggle with reading to learn. They do not have the comprehension necessary to support the acquisition of content. This course has also opened my eyes to the nonexistence of a literacy program in our distance. Even at the elementary school level, there is nothing consistent in place that is universal from campus to campus. Thank you for sharing all of the additional articles. I looked at everything, because it was all extremely interesting. I hope that everything goes well with you!
Strengthening Literacy May 6, 2017 at 4:18pm Hello! First off, I really appreciate all the work and extra resources you put into the class! My last few professors have not been involved in our learning process.
Sent Sunday, April 23, 2017 9:59 PM Subject Final Project Hi Lisa, I have just submitted my final project. I don't know what I'll do with myself for the next few days. I have really enjoyed working with you. You have guided me, encouraged me and challenged me. Because of this I have pushed myself and my colleagues further towards being the best teachers we can be.
Sent Friday, January 27, 2017 2:56 PM Subject Re:Farewell Educators! Dear Dr. Portugal, Thank you very much for these encouraging words. I shall carry the words of the poem with me. I understand that the path to knowledge and the advancement of self and one's community is a not easy but with the grace of God and belief in oneself all things are achievable. Best wishes. Who knows, maybe our paths may cross again. Kind regards,
Sent Thursday, January 26, 2017 12:03 AM Dear Dr. Portugal, Hi! It's rather late to post but I just want to say that I am so happy to have you as my professor again in this module. Thank you for all the feedback you provide. Hoping this to be again a fruitful journey with your support! Thanks, Warm Regards,
Sent Wednesday, January 25, 2017 1:57 AM Subject Final Project Dear Lisa, Thank you very much and I really appreciate the feedback and guidance you gave me throughout the module. You have made me think and write so much better than before. Without you, I couldn't have done this. Many, many thanks,
Posted Date: January 5, 2017 2:20 AM Dear Dr Portugal, Thank you so much for your very clear direction: I really appreciate it. Thank you for the 'signposts' along the way, and I hope I 'see' you in my next module!
Hi Professor, I decided to wait till the end of this class to tell you this, but your posts about Les Brown & Dr. Wayne Dyer almost forced my hand! You are an amazing teacher and person - absolutely an inspiration! You have so much energy, knowledge and passion I am actually in awe! We share many of the same values,interests and beliefs from the sound of it -certainly the same attitude...and if I don't miss my guess people are just automatically drawn to you - even perfect strangers? Of course,on the flip side,you probably stand apart, similar and involved when you want to be, but always different...It took me a while to realize different is a good thing and I hope you realize that as well... I think I am older than you, so just let me say this....I see that people's ignorance still has the ability to hurt you (certainly riles your temper!),however I am glad that you have realized that fear and intimidation is more than likely the driving force behind it (that would be fear of you-and you certainly are a force to be reckoned with!!). I also know how tiring that can be down to your very soul, because that type of bigotry, ignorance and deceit is a cancer that drains on your life force and drags you down. Your strong sense of right and wrong and amazing capacity to feel are the first things that these people will use against you because what they think is your greatest weakness is actually an awesome strength that you were born with and nurture all your life - it makes you a target because they can never be what you already are....Please remember to nourish yourself - a flame that burns as bright as yours needs to be tended to on a regular basis - it is rare and incredible and helps to make the world the beautiful place that it truly is..the one that most people will not really appreciate until it is gone...therefore, it is your responsibility to make sure that you actually take the time to care for yourself and your innermost needs.....Being involved in so many things and having such a wide range of interests and loves creates the dangerous opportunity to tell yourself "Oh, I'll get to it later - I just need to finish this now..." and that habit takes on a life of its own....Identify those "things/habits/pursuits" that mean the most to you and please, take some time every day to explore them to nourish yourself...
This has been the best class I have taken through XYZ thus far- and that is all due to your efforts! I hope all of these colleges and organizations that you are involved with realize your true value - I suspect you have touched many lives in an exceptionally powerful way... I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to participate in one of your classes!
Have safe and wonderful holidays! Thank you for every thing, it truly has been a pleasure!
Hi Lisa; Thanks for a great a great course. I learn a lot and believe it or not; I am heading to South Africa again November 29th to do a teacher's seminar and I am going to use lots of material that I learned in your class. I will incorporate all the tips that you gave us especially those on Classroom management and engagement. I hope that I will meet you again down the line. If not have a wonderful Holiday and God bless.
Thank you, Dr. Portugal. I absolutely enjoyed having you as facilitator in Classroom Engagement and Management. The educational tool I most enjoyed was the personal "YouTubes" that you provided seemingly daily to your students. Keep up the good work! I know that XYZ values your skillfulness in the online community...I do. Again, thank you.
Hello Lisa, I was just reviewing your EDU 000 and wanted send a big Thank you! for the evident care and professionalism that you bring to the course. You consistently engage students to further discussion and encourage a deeper learning through your feedback. Your dedication to XYZ and to your students is very much appreciated! Best regards,
Professor Portugal, Thank you so much for words of wisdom throughout my journey with you in this class. I have truly learned so much about me as a person and about me as a beginning instructor. You have really been such a great blessing to me in so many ways beyond what words can say :-) I completely appreciate you as a leader, teacher, and woman who has achieved you are my inspiration. THANK YOU for being YOU! Amazing, Graceful, Willing, Inspiring and Awesome!!!!!
In short, I would model my instructional behavior after the superb example Professor Portugal has demonstrated. I truly appreciate the informative posts she enters that encourage us to think further on a topic. Jane Professor P., I have been telling everybody about you! All of my friends and church members...you are such an excellent and quality instructor! Shawn
The quality of my educational experience has met my expectations. 100%
How would you rate the quality of your instructor? 100%
I would recommend this instructor to other students. 100%
The instructor was knowledgeable in the topics of the course. 100%
The instructor was enthusiastic about teaching the course. 100%
The instructor provided timely feedback and guidance to help students improve. 100%
How would you rate the quality of this course? 100%
I would recommend this course to another student. 100%
This course provided an opportunity to improve my critical thinking and problem solving skills. 100%
In general, this course will have real-world applicability. 100%
How would you rate the quality of the course material? 100%
The course material was valuable and relevant to the course. 100%
The course material will be valuable after I graduate. 100%
The assignments (including reading material, discussion forums, written assignments and assessments) contributed to my understanding of the course material. 100%
Comments - Your comments regarding your instructor, course, and course material are welcome.
This course provided a strong understanding of the history of education, further increasing my knowledge of where our education system came from, Great course.
Overall Comment: Dear Professor Portugal, RE: Week 2 Course checks Hi Lisa, I hope everything is going well and you are enjoying the course. Thank you for your prompt response in the question and answer section of the homepage as well as your weekly announcements. You have a frequent presence in the class and in the discussion threads. You are responding to several of the posts, great job. The responses you are providing are very substantial and I see you have incorporated some links and other resources into the threads, great job. Thanks for keeping current with grading and adding a weekly announcement regarding grading. The threads are engaging and there is good student participation. Keep up the good work Lisa. Best,
Professor Portugal, I just want to take a moment out to share with you the positive and meaningful impact your words have in the lives of others.... Perseverance in the midst of adversity is something that many people have come to experience a great deal of; I am no exception. Still, it is not always a simple task to keep moving onward, when you feel defeated. I am grateful for every victory! And I continue my pace. Your words of encouragement are so timely, I am inspired by them as they help me to affirm and look ahead in doubtful moments. Your assurance of "having a good eye!" is something that I have confidence in..... It is well appreciated, thank you. Respectfully, Edwanna
Thank you for your kind words Professor Portugal! I am very excited that I have been able to learn how effective a learning tool assessments are! I learned that by personal experience in your class and that learning experience was supported by course content as well as through your timely and supporting feedback (We learned what you taught through your supportive actions as well as from the readings; resulting in a great interactive experience for me ). This enabled me to really see first hand how effective a learning tool assessments are. I appreciate the information on websites that further supported learning and enriched our learning that you provided us. Sometimes in life we can encounter things that are out of the ordinary or so sudden. A time or two during your class I found myself in that position, yet we must find a way to persevere... Thank you for a great learning experience via a great learning environment (I'll venture to guess that your students take away a positive experience that felt as though it was personal and tailored). Thank you, Most Sincerely, Prof., You seem to be more of a philosopher than a professor. I can really enjoy you in that I learn something new from you every week. Thanks a lot for your inspirations. Pofinima
Professor Portugal was always positive, and perceivably very excited about what she was teaching. I believe her charisma caused more excitement and inspired more interest in the course materials and readings among myself and other students in the class. Thank you for your interest.
At first I was reluctant and scared after looking at the syllabus, it was a lot of work. After completing the class I look back at all the hard work and everything I learned and it was worth it!
To be quite honest. The teacher came out of the gate... Very blunt and strong. I was quite nervous about this class. However, my anxiety was calmed around Week 2. She was great!
Thank You.
Professor Portugal was very informative and her published works and feedback helped tremendously during the class
I felt Professor Portugal was a very demanding instructor which made my classwork very hard. However, I appreciate her standards and am applying my knowledge in my current course.
thank you
Hi Professor Portugal: Attached please find my Learning Team peer evaluation. I have learned a big deal in your class and thank your for your encouragement, feedback, and every effort you have put into this wonderful class. I wish you the best and hope one day to meet you personally. Thanks so very much!! Ada I think the instructor was very helpful and even though I found this class difficult I did learn something. I never want to be on the policy making committee. There is much work to do.
I realized that I was not totally focused on this course; the instructor was great, she provided a lot of feedback and explained the materials very well.
Great feedback offered by Instructor Portugal! She always offered great research information.
I enjoyed this class and learned some hands on skills for my venture as a teacher. The course material was relevant to the classroom for today and a helping tool for future educators. My instructor was informative and very reliable with resources and her assistance.
Instructor Portugal provided many wonderful opportunities to expand learning and practice research skills. She was prompt with feedback and contributed greatly to my understanding of course readings. She did a great job of keeping everyone fully engaged in classroom discussion.
Thanks
great class
Thank You!!
Professor Portugal, Thank you very much, it has been great been one of your students and being able to be in the present of a great teaching environment and learning setting. Kensey
Texas (Central Time) Professor Portugal, Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. Chinese Proverb Thank you for all your support, dialogue, input, and stimulating posts. You are a truly energetic and dynamic educator. Your obvious passion and enthusiasm for student enlightenment is recognized by one humble and appreciative student. As a life-long learner, I seek the light of that candle to show me the way, and try never to curse the darkness. You are a bright candle that casts a glow for many to read and learn by. Hopefully our paths will cross again. Until that time or in the event this is our last exchange.... Best of luck with your dissertation and subsequent awarding of your doctorate degree; Health and good fortune to you and your family; Peace of mind, body, and soul. The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed. Carl Jung Respectfully, Leslie
Professor Portugal, Thank you for saying that. I have had a rough few months at work and home, so it is nice that you are making a positive statement about my education pursuits! Thanks again! Sharon
Right, Professor Portugal. Many thanks for the immediate response to the question. It is one of my most significant exceptations from each professor at the XYZ- you're the only one so far that I can get to see whichever my post is substantive or not right away. Some professors just do not do that and I would just never know until I get the weekly report/grade. Thanks again. Taralynn
I have an MA in Elementary Ed from XYZ and only six classes to complete another MA. Dr Portugal is one of the best if not the very best I have experienced. In every category she exemplifies what an online instructor should be. Thank you for being great to work with and for being so involved, most university supervisors are not. Have a great weekend! Janelle Wow! That Bio is more than impressive, your introduction is inspirational. I have been reading some of your papers and I can see you really put time, thought and energy into your work. I know I am going to be a better student after taking your class. David
Attached is my Team A evaluation. Thank you for an incredible class! It was one of my favorite classes due to your excellent teaching style and warmth. Thank you for reaching out and letting us feel connected to you across the miles. You are fabulous! Also, I loved all of your enthusiastic feedback. It was extremely motivating! Sheryl
Professor Portugal, I wanted to thank you for everything in this class- it was truly a great experience that I learned so much from. I appreciate the timeliness of your feedback, your encouraging thoughts, all of the different resources, videos, etc... This was a great learning experience! Hopefully, we will cross paths again- even if it's just at graduation!! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! Lisa
Thank you for all your help with this last class. I truely enjoyed it. You made my first experience with online course a great one. Thanks again! I sure hope I have you as a professor again in my journey to becoming a teacher!!! God Bless Amber
Thank you so much! I really enjoyed this class, it gave me lots of insight and focus about philosophy and helped me to develop my own. Your vast knowledge and expertise was very evident in this class, thanks for sharing. Many blessings to you! ~Tangi
Posted: Tue 06/29/2010 05:43 PM Good Tuesday Evening Lisa Thank you for the nice feedback, I try my best in this class considering I am not a teacher but if I have opportunities to teach I will teach in the information technology industry. I have been involved in (IT) since the mid-90's and I love the industry, very challenging and very rewarding. Teaching (IT), is more of a hands on activity because everyone in my class would have a computer system terminal right at their desk for hands on learning environment. Thanks again for the nice feedback, you are a superb facilitator and very professional with people Thanks Appreciation, Ken