X-CEPTIONAL EDUCATORS
Not everyone gets a chance to see the fruits of their hard work. Teaching students provides a channce to pass their knowledge on to the next generation and impact the profession on a much larger scope. For me teaching is more than reading from a book or grading assignments. It's a unique position that requires an instructor to connect with students on a personal/emotional level. I have been an instructor for 3 years now and I have truely enjoyed it!!!
G. Martinez
Hi Susan,
I work through the situations on a case by case basis. Just last week we had a blizzard and was closed for three days. Bad timing because it was the week all of the assignments were due. I reset the deadline and how they could submit their assignments and everyone was pleased. Since it was an act of nature the students were pleased with the deadline change but knew that I hadn't compromised on the quality or requirements of the assignments.
Gary
Thanks, Gary - another good idea. What do you do if there is a severe weather problem - do they still lose credit? Or - emergency hospitalization? Just curious, Sue
Hi Susan,
Granted there are circumstances that come up in the lives of students. This issues interfere with their completing on time their papers or projects. You have to decide how firm you are going to hold on the assignments. I use a scale of 10% reduction in points for everyday that the assignment is late. This way in 10 days the points have all be used up. This way I give them some freedom to get their work done, even though late without severe consequences. On the other hand in 10 days the assignment is of value no longer. I do this because if I don't set a final deadline then the students turn in assignment all through the course and it is hard to keep up with them. They may turn in assignment #3, then assignment #1, then maybe #1. I want them to work in progression so I use the system I mentioned above.
Gary
I have to agree with the statements made above and also add this. I have been teaching online for about 4 years now and the feeling of personal achievement when students succeed is an additional reward for me, personally.
One of my biggest dilemmas is related to how much leeway to allow students with reasons why they can't submit work on time. It can be hard to assess their credibilty - any suggestions?
I want to help but allowing all the work to be submitted at the end of the class, really doesn't seem the way to go.
i agree 100 %.The satisfaction i get from happy students which come by the school after they graduated to report their success in the new field far outshines any other reward that teaching has given me so far.
Hi Keith,
Well said. When students are getting what they paid for and feel confident in the skills that have developed then the educational mission has been accomplished.
Gary
Mentoring students has given me a joy that I thought that I would never achieve. I'm tuff on them, well disciplined, lead by example, they love it! The coarse has a pulse, it lives and breathes, it has a soul. Certain students have problems like jobs, maritial issues, money, housing, but for the most part I can see the excitement in their eyes the grins on their faces as I make the connection. They came for an education and in my room they are getting what they paid for.
Hi Troy,
Love to hear instructors say what you have said. I know you will have a great career in teaching since you are dedicated to it and want to share your experiences and expertise with students. Welcome to the profession.
Gary
I agree as I have only been an instructor for 3 months and its been the best 3 months of my life, as I too absolutely love teaching and find it to be very rewarding. Being a automotive instructor we find out how much is retained from other instructors when they get into the other various classes. Then the other instructors tell us that this group is very educated or they lack in this or that etc.
T Dries
