Using Standards as Guidelines
The original mission developed by the founder of our college back in 1977 was to teach/train students wanting to enter the fields of Merchandising, Fashion, and Interior Design about the reality of the workplace, not just from the book. He only hired professionals who were already working and established in one of these fields to train the next generation(s). We were able to share and compare what we had learned in school and how it worked (or did not) while we were on the job. What we lacked and what we absorbed while working daily at a job rather than just a 4 hour/once a week class.
Let’s face it, there is much more competition out there for the jobs available, and as you stated “our partners in the industryâ€, want to hire students who will be prepared with the foundation skills to enter the workplace and be flexible enough to grow and continue to learn and achieve the goals set forth for them.
Miriam,
This is also what the students expect, when they enroll into a career college. Therefore, it is also important that instructors never "waiver" on their expectations and standards for success. For instance, "passing" a student that has not met the learning objectives of the course, may prove to hurt them in their future.
Tremayne Simpson
Miriam,
This is also what the students expect, when they enroll into a career college. Therefore, it is also important that instructors never "waiver" on their expectations and standards for success. For instance, "passing" a student that has not met the learning objectives of the course, may prove to hurt them in their future.
Tremayne Simpson
Working in a career college we are expected to produce graduates that are ready to enter their field ready and educated to succeed so if we do not follow the professional guidelines then we are failing the students, the school, the industry, and the public.
Kimberly,
I agree. Using "old" lectures time-after-time, can be quite boring not only for the student, but for the instructor as well. In my experience, the students "feed off" of the enthusiasm of their instructor and not refreshing lectures can make the instructional approach, somewhat lethargic.
Tremayne Simpson
I completely agree that as teachers, we need to keep our lectures fresh and current! I work with a few older teachers who have been at the company for at least 20 - 30 years. Most of the students (adults) have expressed their concerns about the dry lectures given by those teachers. It is heartbreaking listening to these frustrated students, who are paying a lot of money to be trained for their futures. I have even developed a Jeopardy game to review several of the main classes and the students really gain a lot and it shows on their tests and final exams.
When working in a technical field you would need to make sure that the students would learn what is important to the field of study. Using the current standards of excellence in our field allows us to make sure that the student will meet or exceed these standards. It allows them to ultimately graduate and perform their future career at or beyond expectation.
It is important to teach field standards also, because the students are using the current skill sets needed to work in their given field. It is not effective if we teach how it was done 20 years ago.
In general, I select my course content with a "real world" perspective in mind. Being a technician for 10 years, prior to teaching, I have a good grasp on what they will need to know to function as a skilled technician.
In addition, they must pass national and state board exams to become certified. I utilize a text that helps prepare them for the exam and incorparate the material in my course content. We also have an Essential Skills Book developed by the AVMA that outlines skills and competencies the students must achieve. I incorporate these skills and competencies in my course content as well.
I think it is important to ensure that all the necessary information is being presented to the students. It also ensures they are getting current information.
Joel,
I agree. In addition, it is important that the students have consistency in all of the courses that they take.
Tremayne Simpson
We need to ensure that the campus standards are developed across all courses and uniform guidelines help do that.
Kym,
This is a great question. From my understanding, the field of Human Resources is rapidly changing with the advancements in technology (many of the processes have been "streamlined" and automated). Are you a member of any Human Resources organizations? If so, there should be periodical publications that discuss current events in the field and can be used as a source of professional development.
Tremayne Simpson
I teach classes on Human Resources. How do I find the field standards for this area?
It seems very important as an instructor to ensure that students understand the required standards that we follow to provide them with the information and classroom discussions that relate to real world use of the information. Students should feel the need to know.
In order for the students to be able to work in the field they have to know what is expected of them. They have to learn what the standards are in order to apply them therefore they must be a part of the learning process.
I think the most obvious reason for using field standards as guidelines when selecting course content is to ensure the students are adequately prepared when they enter the field. They need to be able to apply their skills and knowledge having been taught according to current certifications, etc. required in their program of choice. If they are planning to pursue additional certifications required beyond the program, they must be adequately prepared to not only pass those certification requirements, but also have the skills set to be competetive in the job market. The credibility of the school, faculty, program, and graduating students is at stake, so it is imperative that students are trained according to current industry/field requirements and standards.
Alberta,
Are the course learning objectives aligned with the standards of the Ohio Board of Nursing?
Tremayne Simpson
Nurses are held to standards by Ohio Board of Nursing
I think this is so very important because you have field experience and knowledge you can pass on to the students. I have been a nurse for almost 30 years and my students love to hear my war stories. Students love to hear what thier future path will be like and field experience they gain from real life situations helps to prepare them for the real world.
