Get Your Students Hired
I have been known for having a telling it like it is personality. I personally hate to see so many lazy Cosmetologist entering the Industry. However this Module really helped me to see that negative words such as lazy have no place in the classroom.
Positive words will change behaviors much faster.
Jeanne,
we are definitely all guilty of this at times. It is amazing how a few words can have such a profound impact on our students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I am guilty of using negative words, but didn't realize how it may impact my class until I took this course. I will be much more aware now of what I say and choose my words more carefully.
Scott,
this is a great point & we need to be mindful of all of these things. I recently had some students inform me that whenever someone asks a "stupid" question in class I get a certain smirk on my face. I always say that there are no stupid questions, but obviously the class is reading something different, something to work on.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I found that using positive wording as well as gestures, keeps it fun and I seem to get better responses from my classes. I will throw out a technical question to the class. As I take responses, instead of saying things like wrong answer, not it, etc. I say things like close, almost, best one yet. As for body language, not slouching, smile that reaches your eyes and positive hand gestures. If it looks like I’m having fun, they do too.
Mark,
and this is so easy to do if a student becomes sarcastic or negative with us. You are right, we must work hard to stay positive.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Negative words can quickly turn a possitive enviroment into a negative. As hard as it is at times we must strive to stay positive
Negative words can quickly turn a possitive enviroment into a negative. As hard as it is at times we must strive to stay positive
Monte,
yes, honesty with a person is the best way to be kind to them, even when it is tough love. However, we should respect the person at the same timem.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I hear you. I feel the same way. However I have noticed there is always a way to tell someone something uncomfortable if you phrase it right. Just because it's true doesn't mean I have to say it directly.
Kelly,
yes, I think often people think this means that we always have a fake smile pasted on our faces but rather it speaks to the underlying optimism, confidence & resiliency that is needed for success.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It's true how fast negativity can creep in. I consider myself a very positive person as well and try very hard to show that a positive attitude makes life easier and better somehow. One thing I started way early in my career is I named my classroom. I call it the "No Can't Ranch". I also call my home that and my children were not allowed to say the word can't in the negative context. It worked very well in my home life, so I have implemented in my classroom as well and the students love it. By the end of the term, they state that it has made a tremendous difference for them.
John,
this is great self-awareness & I'm sure will only help to make your classes an even more positive environment for the learners.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I see myself as a very positive person and tend to avoid negativity all together. When I started paying attention to ALL the words I use throughout the day, I was surprised how often I used ‘small’ negative words. I am working on eliminating these words as I believe that this can only make my class a better experience for the learners.
Lars,
this is so true & we as the instructor really set that tone for the whole class.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I do a gratitude postive board every morning when the students enter the room and it gets the students thinking on in the positive from the begining.
I try to avoid almost all negative words in the classroom. Negative words can spread like wild fire and the entire attitude of the class can change for the worse.
rachell,
and it is so easy to go negative with those who are not applying themselves. We have to work hard as you are doing to keep them motivated.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Yes as you stated I hate seeing new and upcoming Cosmetologist that are lazy. I try not to use negative words and keep trying to encourage them through also using my 20 years of experience in the field and letting them know that anything is possible if they stay positive.
Robert,
you are right that this can pose a challenge & I think your strategy of connecting to your own kids is a great idea.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.