You could try having mini scripts to give to the student that is on the "client" side of the fence. This would insure that the appropriate questions are being asked as well as the proper feel for the discussion. For example have a sheet with general information, like what the person is upset about and what the other student would have to do to calm the client or make then happy. Extra information I am trying with my class involves client info, pet info, why the client is angry, what needs to be said-in general-to turn the conversation positive.
I want to be able to simulate difficult communication scenarios for them that they might encounter, but simulating that with my role is very difficult. Unfortunately the most expereience they get in that area is from other immasture or unproductive and confrontational studentds.
Some ways to do this would be by giving them real life examples of what they can expect in their career field. How to handle difficult situations, for example. How the knowledge that they are learning in their classes can be applied to working models. Being punctual and by filling in any extra knowledge that they may have questions about.
I think it is important to model good soft skills for your students. One of those is proper language. Students should be aware that vulgar language while accepted by their peers will not be accepted in a professioanl environment. The same is true for their standard of dress. What is acceptable even in the school setting is not appropriate in a professional environment.
Sharon, I too work in a culinary institute. My experiences very closely mirror what you have said. I treat my students as adults. They are aware of the institution's and my expectations. I am also surprised at how students will self-correct for foul language -- especially in this field with some famous chefs being as well known for their colorful language as their food.
Hi Theodore,
Good point about the development of the needed "soft skills" in career development. Yes, sad to say it often forgotten by students in terms of how important common courtesy is when dealing with the public.
Gary
Our students spend the majority of their school career in a "lab" setting, where they are dealing with the public and performing services on them. As an instructor, I have the "role" of model throughout the day in teaching the students the "professional" way to deal with the public in all situations, both the "positive" and the "negative". The "role model" position of instructor occurs in myriad ways throughout every day, to the point of becoming very common-place, for both instructor and student. We very commonly and easily emphasize "professionalism" as a very big part of our students' education. I get very surprised at how "foreign" the concept is to so very many of our adult students.
Hi Melanie,
I really like your approach to teaching writing. The email exercise has to be of great value to the students because they can see how important accurate and concise writing is to getting the message across.
Thanks for sharing these strategies.
Gary
I teach writing, which isn't a subject that many of my students actually enjoy. However, it's one of those transferable skills that will benefit them greatly if they develop good writing skills.
I model this through every interaction I have with them that involves writing: from a writing assignment sheet to a post on Blackboard to a PowerPoint presentation to an email, I always make sure that my writing is free from errors in grammar and mechanics, clear, and contains information pertinent to the reader's needs.
I also make sure to refrain from using any text-speak or overusing emoticons. I try to show the students that they should always keep their readers in mind and present material in a professional manner if their audience demands it.
For example, we will discuss how an email to a friend might differ from an email to an instructor or manager. When covering this, I will have the students write two versions of the same email: Write two emails where you discuss the grade you received on an assignment. In the first email, address your friend. Tell them about the grade you received and why you are upset with the grade. In the second email, address your instructor. Explain to them that you would like to speak with them regarding your grade on the assignment. We then discuss the differences in class, and I stress the importance of writing well even if composing a more informal (email) document when that document is still a part of the business environment.
Good writing skills are essential to every student regardless of their career field; therefore, I want to help them see how their message might be taken if they aren't as professional as they could be.
I really try to bring this home for them with the email assignment. I find that students will send emails to me that aren't professional. By going through what is acceptable and what is not as well as modeling good writing skills for emails and other business documents, I'm showing my students the importance of writing to their career. It's not an easy sell, but I do find that many students understand why writing is important to their career by the end of the quarter. :)
Explain to them that we as the instructor are preparing them for the real world and their future jobs.
Hi Anthony,
Well put. The example you used is very accurate with our students. We have to walk the talk or we are of no value to our students since they will realize that our professionalism is not real.
Gary
Instructors are role models just as parents are to their children. Therefore you must start early(at the begining of each class/course) with puctuality, dress code, respect for each other and their opinions/questions(no matter how simple they may seem), adherence to the rules of the course(quiz and testing guide lines)as well as classroom begaviormust be stressed to the student that they are needed for passing the course as well as succeeing in their chosen career. Remember, charity begins at home!
throuhout my teaching career i have notice this quality need to be present in instructors students have always commented about how they want to be like me calm,handling situations fairly.
to start on time ,be consistant in course instruction and dicipline ,dress in professional manner ,dont be a pal to students.
I feel that if you present yourself professionally and act in a way that helps mentor the students, you are not only leading by example, but giving them something to follow.
By acting every inch the professional and establishing a formal role in the classroom .
Be on-time and professional in appearance, attitude, competence and performance.
Hi James,
You are dead on with your perspective of what an instructor should be. This if knowledge that students need to have and by seeing a model of their career field they have something to measure themselves against.
Gary
As instructor's we must "be" the person who represents success in the business world. We must show our students how to dress and behave properly in the "real world". We must set examples of all things that we teach and practice what we preach. We need to demonstate the way to successfully complete a course and compete in the job market.
Hi Kevin,
This is a critical point that is often lost by students. Their credibility needs to be established with the instructor because the instructor is many cases going to be serving as a reference and the instructor needs to have a positive image of the student's professionalism.
Gary
