burn out
will need to watch for signs of burn out and refocus and be excited about being a instructor. And this courwse helps with recognizing the signs of burn out.
Robert,
I agree with your comments because you are right on about statement that we cannot compromise our standards in the course. If we do we soon will not have a program that reflects the standards of our respective fields. Yes, students have life challenges but if they will put forth the effort needed to be successful they can over come many of these challenges and create a better life for themselves. This is why they are in school in the first place and they need to be reminded of that repeatedly.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I concur with this however, we must always set the rules of life because so many have not a clue about what is expected out in the real world. Many were not taught at home what is expected in the market place of employment.
Yes, sometimes life is tough. But we must NOT allow ourselves to buy into their problems as an excuse why the work is not done or "no time to study. As what what was told to me so many times, "what are you doing between midnight and 6 in the morning?"
we should recognize the difficulty in what they are doing. We should do everything we can to aid them but never compromise the requirements and the deadlines. If we do, are we really teaching them what life is really about?
We should and most of us do understand and use everything under the roof to assist them but never never look the other way!
Phyllis,
This is a comfortable and relaxed way to get a class started. I use this approach as well. It doesn't take but a few sessions before my students are bringing in jokes, stories and articles about the class that we can use in our class warm up sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to start class by talking about our day for a few moments, that way everyone can relate and know they are not alone. Sometimes we share funny stories before we get down to working. Sometimes I have them get up and jump up and down. Other times I am flexible with the breaks.
Katherine,
Students that know you care are more motivated to be successful. This is why respect and rapport are both very important to have in a classroom. Earning the respect of students and then helping them to be successful becomes a win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am also teaching mostly evening sessions.
I have found that sincerely saying "Thank you!" and otherwise showing gratitude for their participation and contributions helps with the overall mood of the class.
Beyond that I am honest about my own levels of energy fluctuation and encourage them to speak up if they need to have a break or change of pace too. We all admit to being human.
Keeping open communication and being sincere in my efforts to help them problem solve with 'little things' has meant that they know they can talk to me about their bigger challenges, and I will have the opportunity to get them the resources they need to keep going.
Mary,
Great to hear that you got good results with the Surprise strategy. Keep up the good work and have fun with your teaching.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
There were many good examples of preventing and curing burnout. I especially liked the Suprise. I just used this and it worked out very well.
Camille,
If you work through the REFOCUS steps I know you are going to have fun with the results and enjoy teaching even more. I wish you continued success in all of your teaching efforts.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The whole concept of REFOCUS was very helpful to me, particularly the idea of SURPRISE. I didn't realize how much I need this to maintain my own motivation during the term; I can only imagine how much this will help keep my students enthusiastic about what we are accomplishing in the classroom.
Burn out is a result of an individual taking on too much at one time. According to the goal experts, one should not be focused on more than 3 goals at any one point in time. If one is, they will experience burn out and not succeed in any of them.
I do this as well. I also let the class know as a whole how we are doing (generalizing).
Edgar,
I teach from 4 until 10 pm so I can appreciate your comments. I have to work very hard to keep them engaged since they are tired from their work. I do a lot of activities and keep the pace of the class moving so my students will stay engaged throughout the evening.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Specially the night classes. They have a full shift at work,and it takes a toll on them. I'm instructing a 1 year program. And by the end of the year, i can see a difference on them. It really takes a toll on them both emotionally and physically.
Great tips to re-energize under REFOCUS. The Director of Education, instructors, and I are always looking for ways to keep courses exciting. The S Surprise of Focus really will do this. The F Focus triage method is also very helpful in making sure learning takes place.
Sabina,
Good example of how burnout can really affect performance.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
BURNOUT - IS A SITUATION WHEN EVERYTHING IS BAD, BUT YOU STILL TRY TO TELL YOURSELF THAT IT WILL BE BETTER. BUT NEXT MORNING, WHEN ZIPPER ON YOUR FAVORIT PANTS IS BROKEN, YOU'RE TEARING AND START TO GUILTY ZIPPER IN ALL OF YOUR PROBLEMS
April,
This is so important because life challenges for many of our students can overcome them and as a result we lose them. Knowing that someone cares about them and their future is an important message to share with our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Most of the Students are urned out even before coming to School. Most work fulltime and have children. I think we need to have positive reinforcement at School, so they can feel accomplished when it has been a hard day for them. They are making their lives better.
