Instructor = Boss, Classroom = Workplace
I wholeheartedly agree with the idea that the classroom should be treated as a workplace, the instructor as the boss, and the rules of the course as the expectations of a student's chosen career field.
William,
You have touched upon a real hot button of mine. I talk to my students about the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule is that the person with the gold makes the rule. Thus appropriate dress, conduct and language can be required by such a person. I really like the idea of the mirror. Hope it makes an impact with some students.
As for the optical illusion on your part good luck with that. As I would project the same profile I am currently staying away from mirrors.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
We have a full-length mirror in one of our hallways with a sign that says, "Would you hire me?" (I cringe at the way that mirror makes me look like an old man with a pot belly--obviously an optical illusion--but at least my clothes look half decent.) The fact is that a person who has learned to dress "business casual" can easily adapt to more relaxed work environments, but the student who relishes in dressing like a slob may not get hired and therefore never have the chance to show whether or not he/she can adapt to higher standards.
Mary,
The key I think is to help students to read situations in relation to appropriate behavior, dress, conduct, etc.. If they can do this they will be able transition into the work place more effectively.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ah...but what if we consider work places like Google where employees work in a relaxed environment. There aren't a lot of rules and regulations, not even a dress code! The lack of rigid boundaries allows the employees to be self-directed and thus more creative. I strive for this environment in my math classroom. I find it relieves some of the stress that accompanies taking a math class!
E.,
Thanks for sharing this strategy with us. It makes a very good point to the students and helps them to start thinking in relation to their career success and not just being students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I had a colleague early on in my teaching career who told her students that she was the boss and they were her employees. In her class, F didn't stand for "fail"; it stood for "fired." I would occasionally share that with my students, and then I'd say, "Don't make me fire you." Because there's an element of wit in there, it turned out to be a nice way of approaching the subject of my expectations without getting too heavy. And it all makes perfect sense in a career college.
Carolyn,
Good for you and your school. This attitude will help to move the students from school to work with minimum trauma. Many students coming into school today lack work skills as well as self discipline. The more of both they can develop the better prepared they will be when they transition to employment.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
At my school we try to institute this philosophy early on with our students. And what they need to adopt is a work ethic that will well in our environment based on policies, procedures and to better the 'work' culture as a whole.
Susan,
Students need to get a clear understanding of how the real world operates and how they fit into that real world. If they don't their transition to employment is going to be rough. We need to teach and maintain an environment that reflects as much as possible what they students are going to experience when working.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Agreed. I think this helps build relevancy on why we are all learning this material and professionalism for how it will be in the real world. Helps students realize they are part of the team and contribute to the success of the workplace.
Jose,
Yes it should because the stakes are high for our students. They are paying to receive content and training that will enable them to move toward their career goals. We need to do all we can to help them be successful but in the end it is they who must put forth the effort and learn what it takes to have a successful career.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
