Demonstrate technical skills that are needed by students to succeed in the field
Be professional, show up on time, organized and prepared to deliver the material
Dress professionally, use proper sanitation techniques
My students are preparing for a highly competitive field in which success requires a combination of natural talent, hard work and driving motivation.
Providing examples that show that hard work, spurred on by driving motivation, is a vital component that may even compensate for deficits in the other two areas provides practical benefits to a large number of students.
Hi Daniel,
What are some ways you can demonstrate for your students how work leads to success?
Gary
Demonstrate how work leads to success.
Hi Nancy,
This is a great way to show the entire components of the culinary arts field, not just the skills related to food prep. A clean work station, careful handling of equipment, etc. are all aspects that will contribute to a successful career. Well done.
Gary
In the culinary and Pastry industry your station's sanitation and cleanliness are paramount to your success. While doing the daily demo I model the standard for this behavior so they have a visual context for cleanliness and organization.
Hi Mike,
So simple but yet missed by many instructors. You have got it at the top of your list of how to be an instructor of merit.
Gary
Lead by example: be on time, in professional attire, don't expect them to do anything you wouldn't/haven't done.
Hi Christian,
Nor do I. I think we need to set the bar high on all aspects of social/soft skill development. The success of the students' careers will depend upon them having these skills. Even if they are highly skilled in the kitchen poor social/soft skills will kill their careers.
Gary
I do not alow profanity in the class/lab.
I find it offencive & unprofessional.With the kitchen environment it can be a challenge.
Hi Seth,
Good way to operate in your class. The students need to experience what the "real" world is like. They also get to see how customer service should be delivered. As we all know many businesses lack in this critical element. The more our students develop skill in this area the more successful they are going to be upon graduation.
Gary
I like to use my work dress (clothing) as a model of behavior and professional choice. Dressing the part is the first step. As well, I choose to interact with students the same way I would interact with customers in the field. The same being said, I try to also represent the "Manager" role in dealing with many situations in regards to teacher/student interaction.
Hi Martha,
What are some ways that you present a professional attitude to your students?
Gary
I present a professional attitude toward my students, and I expect the same from them.
Talk about my sucess in the industry as a Food Director for the past ten years I present the now of the food industry, involve student in class dicusion
I like to treat the classroom like a job site. I make sure that I am on time and prepared for class every day. I always make sure that I am presentable in manner and dress that is appropriate for the job. I feel that setting the standard for the class starts with the instructor. If students are held accountable in class then it starts the habit for them to be held accountable in the workforce. Example, being late will not be tolerated. While I do understand that in life there will be extenuating circumstances once and a while being late is generally a sign of disrespect and is will not be allowed when on the job. Another high standard that I believe should be upheld in the classroom is dress code. Dress should be appropriate for the job, and as a student your job is to attend class. Putting effort into wearing clean and appropriate clothing for class will translate into taking care into what you wear at work. I find that students who have been held accountable for these things by other influences in their lives; teachers, parents, other role models, ect are much more likely to succeed in the career of their choice. It is especially important for the students who have not encountered this before to have an instructor model these good behaviors and show them how this will translate into the working world.
Hi Mark,
Reinforcement needs to occur on a regular basis until the students have "gotten it". This can take some tome. You are right on with your comments about how this can take some time.
Gary
I agree, however, some younger students,(new adult learners), need additional reminders that being casual about their uninform,(culinary arts), can lead to them being casual about their attitude towards the coursework.
Hi Brian,
I agree with you about the need for individuals to have the required skill sets. There has to be the combination of both the "soft skills" and the specific skills if a person is going to be successful in the workplace.
Gary
Set a positive dress/hygene standard myself, and make sure they are also held to that high standard. Try to set a stardard of excellence and expectation, and work with the students to meet those expectations. We start on time and leave at the time when class should dismiss. I have always tried to develop solid understanding of who each student is, so they will work toward the learning objectives for me.
