Leading by Example
I think that most of us have heard that old saying "Do as I say Not as I do" What's up with that? I feel that if we want a student to behave a certain way, then we must lead by example.
Thank you, Scott.
What are some specific things that you do to "lead by example?"
I have learned to lead by example, i have much more success with that approach and my students seem to respond to this logic.They themselves then start to also lead by example
Thanks, Charles.
It is important to let our students know that failure isn't fatal. Some of our most challenged students have never developed effective coping skills, so a single failure can put them over the edge.
Are there things you do to help students deal with failure?
I feel the most important part of "leading by example" is always displaying a positive attitude. Every setback is considered an "opportunity" to correct something that is wrong. Every failure is an "opportunity" to become better. If we approach "issues" as "opportunities" we have the chance to do better or correct what we have done wrong, it provides a more positive atmosphere for success.
Thank you, Glenn. What are the most important behaviors you model for your students?
i have learned to lad by example, i have much more success with that approach.
I work with externs and I think they feel that once it is over, it is over. I let them know that I am there for them as long as they need and the school is too. I usually receive a sigh of relief that they will not be alone and we will remain a sounding board. I also am always honest with them, even when they don't want to hear it.
Thanks, Michael.
A lot of successful leaders have taken a similar approach.
i always tell my students, i never ask you to do something that i wouldn't do, thats from taken out the trash cleaning up the room you have to show them that we all have to pitch in and help no matter if your on the top or bottom.
Thank, Rich. The best way we can teach is to model the behaviors we want to develop in our students.
The students definitely observe the instructor's behavior, habits and attitude. For example, in lab, when a problem arises with a tool, equipment, or training vehicle, I always find an alternative solution the issue...no complaints!
I tell them, this is a real-world shop situation and they have to be ready to make the best of the situation.
These types of situations teach the students to creatively expand their mechanical knowledge and fosters confidence and self-efficacy.
A good example is always welcomed by the student who looks up to their professors. They love the stories of successes and failures we have endured throughout our lifes.
Craig,
Thanks for pointing out to your students that "good enough" is rarely good enough.
Also, the simple things we can do, like saying "please" and "thank you," can really make students feel valued and appreciated. They will also begin to adapt the behaviors you are modeling. Well done!
I tell my students to do the job better than is required. I show them this in some of the projects that I have done in the past. This also goes for customer service, please and thank you don't cost anything and can make a difference. I always say please and thank you especially in lab when I ask them to do something extra. By the end of the three weeks that I have them, I will hear a few more please and thank yous than I did at the beginning of the course.
William,
Thank you for your post to this discussion forum. You are correct when you say that we are always being judged by our students. There are a number of "moments of truth" each day for students when they make decisions about the value of what we are providing.
What do you see as the most significant moments of truth for new students?
Our actions from the start of class to the end of the day are being judged by our students. It is healthy to take a few moments to reflect on our day through the student perspective.
In teaching I always try to lead by example. I find that when I set a high standard and I follow it myself, they tend to get in line without me even having to say anything.
I make sure they understand that these are a customers vehicle and should be treated as such. I do not lean on the cars nor should they. I do not put my foot on the bumper nor should they. My biggest petpeev is putting the clipboard on the hood to write this is a lab point taken away if this happens. Yes set a good example and they will follow.
we must not only teach the subject at hand but while in lab we must show them good working habits as well,always inspect the tools to see that they are clean and put in its proper place,show how not to abuse tools or the item being worked on,your example will have a big impact in their work habits.
