"You really gave us a great overview of PowerPoint, and I loved those chocolate cookies. Thanks! I was so proud of myself when I got home, and I was able to utilize PowerPoint. Thanks so much! I'm so happy I learned this stuff from someone like you. You're very
patient, and the way you respond to your students shows you care."

"I'm nervous about presenting in front of the class. I know this sounds silly but is there
anything that may help so the five minutes doesn't seem like it's the end of the world?"

"I am a terrible person to give advice in this area! I love to speak in front of groups and don't really understand the nervousness that affects almost every other person on earth. Did you know public speaking is rated as THE greatest fear of people.

Here's my long-term advice...
I understand they have some very effective public speaking classes at UNLV. If you have room in your schedule of courses, it may be worthwhile to consider taking one. A less formal method (but also time consuming) is to join a local Toastmasters group. These are excellent groups that focus on positive ways to help people improve their public speaking abilities. For some people the focus is on entertaining audiences, for others it's on physical characteristics of delivery (i.e., hand movements), and still others focus on overcoming fear.

Now for the tough part, the short-term solution... Think of us in our underwear? All kidding aside... why not go first? That way the other students will expect you to mess up since you're going first, and you'll have it out of the way and won't have to stress over it for more time than possible. I'm going to have students sign-up on the board for the order in which they wish to present. Be there early so you can select your space. Also, practice -- but not verbatim. Remember that you know your lesson plan better than anyone. If you know what you need to say and in what order (you can use notes or a slideshow to help prompt your memory), you can just talk about each of those items in order. Don't try to focus on what words you'll say, and don't worry if you make a mistake. We all make mistakes and we certainly understand when people are nervous.

If I can find anything online or from Toastmasters that I think might help, I'll send it along. If you feel more comfortable teaching as an adult to a child, do so -- just frame it that way so your audience knows what to expect.

Most importantly, remember that 5 minutes goes really quickly.
I wish I could help you more,
Christy--"

"I did feel great about my presentation. This definitely has built my confidence to
present in other classes as well. Thanks for your advice. Maybe in the summer/fall if a
speaking class is offered I'll consider it."

"It has been a great semester and you have been the most wonderful teacher I have had in a long time. Thanks for caring. You have made me feel so good about my accomplishments. I can say it's a great feeling. I can't remember the last time I felt good about myself in reference to doing better than just good in school. Thanks again for all of your help."

Even though an e-portfolio is a lot of work, I have enjoyed doing it.

I am done!  Physically and emotionally done.  This was a lot of work!  It probably is not perfect, but it is as close as I am going to get it even if I put another 25 hours into it.  Thank you for all of your help and for being so readily available.  I have never had another teacher who was so willing to be there for me to make sure I learned something. 
 
Thanks for everything.

Above all, I just want to say thank you for the journey Dr. Keeler. During this semester, you opened my eyes to new and exciting things.  Some of which, I thought I would never be able to do in my life. You helped open new doors to my creative side and made me achieve things that make my projects and papers better then they used to be.   I just wanted to say from the bottom of heart thank you for everything. You make an excellent teacher and I hope that we cross paths again, only I will be the teacher and you will be the student. Thank you again. This was one heck of a ride and I am sad to see this chapter of the journey end, but as they say, “I’ve only just begun!”