managing school time wisely
In our classroom most of the time is spent in a lab type setting.Some of the students use this wisely, some do not.Trying to keep them motivated is a problem
I agree with what you said there, I am a firm believer that systems work due to their effeciency and effectiveness; the same goes with scheduling/mind set. Having a system of knowing that you must go from work mode to student mode can help make the transition easier. I do however believe that sometimes not allowing there to be a break from one to another (job, home, or school) is significantly more difficult. It feels as if there is not break, and it is one long transition as opposed to two parts, making it tougher to get into the right mindset
Merrick , by establishing goals you assist students in learning how to also succeed in the real world. Goal setting is a very valuable skill.
James Jackson
I have found inthe past that setting multiple little deadlines in class keeps a student on pace. But when they do not reach the deadline, do not punish them but go over why the deadline was not met and see what can be done to be more efficient in class.
Billy, what are some things you can do so you never get tired with the material? There are always new twists to any topic. Focus on how your topic relates to current events or research different teaching and delivery methods that allow you to keep the material fresh in some way. If you already have some techniques you use, please share anything you feel comfortable to share.
James Jackson
Joan, great point. I also recommend taking a page from The Pacific Institute (TPI) and write down some of the specific goals you have have for each part. Knowing your specific goals for work, school and your personal life allows you to have an actual tool you can take out of your wallet or purse and remind yourself what you want from your work, from your school and from your personal life. TPI teaches us we become that which we think about the most so our self talk as it relates to each of the parts you mention is critical to our overall mental strength and eventual success. For more about TPI, please visit http://www.thepacificinstitute.us/v2/.
James Jackson
Sometimes it is important to change "mental gears" when going from work to school. You need to separate your day into parts. By looking at it as one continuous event, it can feel tiring by the end. If you look at it separately, then it can help make it feel more manageable.
using time wisely, even thou we start to get tired of the material, you have to keep the big picture in focous. stay focused on your future.
Hello Monte I'm a student as well as a employee and I really find it hard to keep motivated after working and have to go straight to class. So some insight on this would really be healpful to me.
mark, not all students learn time management skills outside the classroom. Have you considered rolling in some time management skills within your lesson plans? May be valuable to many of your students.
James Jackson
As an instructor at NTI fabrication, we have large amounts of time spent in lab also. I find that so many of the younger generation lack the needed skill of time management. The skill of time management is something you develop at home playing outdoors and doing chores. Our role is to up hold the student to standards being trueful and a role model to them. So many lack the burning drive to be successful but just want to say they are. Myself, I am living proof of what staying positive and believing in ones self can do. Everyday it proves to me that so many don't believe in themselves due to their up bringing. My faith stays in "the class will only meet what expectations that are placed in front them" so by believing in that, as an instructor it rolls over to them seeing that you believe in them.
monte, what conversations have you had with the students that seem to be more difficult to motivate? Have you discussed with them their ideas of how the time spent would be most useful to them? The more you communicate with your students the more you will gain insight in ways to earn their trust and get them engaged.
James Jackson
