I try to relate my life's toils to my students. I have worked very hard to be where I am today. I relate my endeavours with my students trials as they arrive. For instance, when work may impede a student from getting to class on time, I ask them what goals they have for themselves. Does finishing school play a big part in that? More than not, yes.
tHE INDUSTRY THAT I'M IN ALLOWS ME TO TALK ABOUT MY PAST 45 YEARS THE PROS AND CONS AND HELP LEAD THEM DOWN THE PATH OF PROMISE AND A STRONG FUTURE
I ask the students at the beginning of the course to stop and visualize themselves on the graduation stage with their friends and family watching them. I ask them how do they feel? Then I ask them to visualize themselves beginning in their work environment still learning. How do they feel? Finally, one more visualization. Visualize them leading in their field. How do they feel? I assure them that is how we want them as individuals and a college to feel as well. It isn’t about us, it’s about them and if we can take some credit in their success then kudos for us.
I try to inspire my students by recounting situations I have found myself in that were difficult and how I found solutions. I also try to instill self confidence in my students by being positive and finding the good in what they do and letting them know.
Paul,
Thanks, Paul. I probably have learned more from the folks who report to me that they did from me.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I just recently began involving my manager in doing live TV and Radio cooking segments. I have alot of experience in this area, and he just recently underwent some media training. In the last 2 weeks he has done both a live TV and live radio segment. I felt I was able to "train" him, even though he is my boss, in a way that made him comfortable and effective in the live segments.
I try to help them realize that they have the ability to make something happen through small talks, or motivational speeches and teamwork assignments.
Letitia,
Students need to hear this. Thanks for sharing it.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Because I work in the industry, I consistently talk about the positive results wrking in the healthcare industry, particularly billing and coding. I go into great detail about the available positions, coding organizations, the importance of being involved and volunteering. I also post those as discussion questions to assist in engaging the student.
Thanks,
Letitia Patterson
Brenda,
Thanks. Visualization is a very powerful tool.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I encourage students to visualize themselves as professionals in their chosen field. I remind them of this vision at critical times through out the course, before a major exam, at the beginning of a very hard week (lots of content to cover) or at the end of the term when they are checked off on the hands on skills.
I think sharing personal stories and taking the time to share stories of others may motivate and influence students toward looking forward to something positive.
In order to inspire others we must have our own life algined or balance, so that we can have the abilty make something happen. Personal victories will cause public victories.
Whatever it takes!!! Believing in ones' self is the beginning of great things. The fact that they are in school is that beginning. I never let them forget that! "Life is hard by the yard, but by the inch it's a cinch!" I love that! Do not know the author.
Don,
Thanks for this post. It is spot on.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I tell my students that part of being a good technician is having a great self-efficacy.They have to believe in themselves and use there education to diagnose drivability issues with a vehicle.I tell them that there is a learning curve when it comes to transitioning from a student to a confident and qualified diagnostic technician.This transition period greatly relys on how hard they push themselves while they are in school.I explain that if a student shows up on time, pays attention, asks questions and fully participates in all portion of class and lab that they will build the knowledge and confidence needed to shorten that transition period.For good students it is usually from 6 months to possibly 2 years. For the student that does not apply himself in school the transition may take up to five years or may possibly never happen. This usually opens a few eyes as a reality check in class.
David,
Students often lose sight of the gains they have made as they struggle to keep up with the current activities. These reminders are important.
Jeffrey Schillinger
For students: sometimes you have to remind them how far they have come. They have a tendency to compare themselves to other students abilities or even the instructors abilities and can get discouraged that their skills arn't as good. Each student learns differently and at different speeds so, reinforcing how successful they have been helps students stay focused on the prize at the end.
Kevin,
Students usually relate well to someone they see as a "similar other" who has walked in their shoes.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Paula,
Thanks for this post. Being seen as a "similar other" can make it easier to connect with students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
