Nuts and bolts vs warm and fuzzy
I feel we often get so wrapped up in the warm and fuzzy aspects of our interaction that we may not convey the reality of the transition into the work place. Certainly, we need to be receptive and concerned, but, once into the work place, the question for the graduate/employee is did we prepare them to shrug off and grow from disappointment, aggression, challenges, and all those elements that are part of work where few are going to throw their arm around us and reassure us that it will be alright.
Kevin,
There should be a balance of both and you have found success with the balance you have found. This presents both the human and technical side of your career field while engaging students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Nicole,
I agree. They are an excellent way for students to see relevancy and make applications of what they have been studying. Internships help to make the transition to the work world much easier.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel that it is both possible and required to be both "warm and fuzzy" as well as "nuts and bolts". I use the warm and fuzzy approach to get the students comfortable with me as an instructor, and the material that we will be working with. That is especially important with new students. I also delve into the nuts and bolts from class to class so that the students know what is expected of them, and are up to the task.
I believe that internships help prepare students for the "real" world.
Loren,
You make an excellent point in relation to helping students understand what they will face in the workplace and what the expectations are. They need to realize that their training and education is to help them be successful in their chosen field but it is up to them to put forth the effort to make the success happen.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
