I try to set a good example and also by relating some stories about obstacles and challenges that I had to overcome in changing my career path. This, I believe, gives the students a better understanding of the importance in believing in their own ablilities so they can become successful.
I try to portray a positive attitude that will 'rub off' on my students. I also use my own personal examples to show how I overcame the challenges of being a single parent, working, and going to school. If I can show them that their dream is possible and give them real world examples of how it is done, I believe that will help the students realize that it is something that they can make happen.
Paula
Giovanni,
I used to tell my students that they may be achieving more through their work toward an AAS degree than I did in my MA program. Those who are successfully juggling school, work and family are really doing something special.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Students need to feel they are getting the perspective of the real world and the real world perspective is within their grasp.
Our ability to explain success is not a Grade but the overall Journey, the ability to take everything we throw at them, incorporate it into their own "technique" and foster that learning is the key.
I introduce them to a higher level of learning, not because I have to, but because it makes them feel "Smarter" that they can understand difficult concepts and they are interested in pushing their boundaries. Fpr example, I will present them with work from my Master's Degree and explain how difficult it was for me to learn what they have just understood me present to them.
They feel, if they open themselves up to different ways of learning, they have a larger belief in there own abilities...
I LOVE TEACHING!!! And that in and of itself is all I ask of them in return is to find themselves in a career that is not a job or a paycheck, but a PASSION!!!
This does work well in both the lab and classroom areas. when the student seems to be frustrated or nervous about a test they have studied for sometimes just reminding them they did well on the prior test, they seem to relax and focus on the task at hand and do well.
I started my life in retail, and in my mid 20s I decided I wanted a career in computers. I went to school, got a degree, and did it. I share my experiences doing exactly what my students are doing now. I can relate to them, I can help them when they struggle, and hopefully motivate them to continue, and not give up!
Amy,
Thanks for sharing this, It is a great way to get the students to think.
Jeffrey Schillinger
As a faculty we try not to let students say "I can't..." we try and have students replace the phrase with "I need more practice in...". If you say you can't you surely can't, but if you say you need more practice and you do practice you can imporve on you skills.
Frank,
You are on point here. Over 70% of career college students are first generation college students. They often do not have the "similar other" to talk with about the pressures and requirements of a student.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Karen,
Pointing out the positives is a key to motivation. Students need to know when they are doing well.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I keep a positive attitude and show enthusiasm for others to receive my energy and be able to become inspired and motivated as well.
I always tell my students to perform and treat other that way the wish to be treated. Be proud of what you do if you do your best at it. No matter what is it always do your best.
I always try to point out what a student is doing good, especially if it looks like they are struggling on a project.
When I am talking with student about school and their studies, I often remind student of why they choose to come to school in the first place. I also try to find a way to help them through the tough spots. Most of the time the student just need to have someone to talk to about school. So many of our student’s don’t have any family members, that have gone to college and can’t share their experiences. For the most part i find that they just need to listen to.
i agree,and i try to let them know that making a mistake is a lesson earend
Paul,
You are presenting yourself as a "similar other." Students generally relate well to folks who have been in their shoes and have made it.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I try to inspire both students and co-workers to believe in themselves and great things can happen. What I find is that people put in their mind everything they don't want to do and they forget what they really want. I usually ask people to make a list of what they want to accomplish and keep that list with them at all times. When we focus on that list, all other thoughts can disappear. I believe people can change and become what they want to become once they put their mind to it.
I try to set a good example and also by relating some stories about obstacles and challenges that I had to overcome in changing my career path. This, I believe, gives the students a better understanding of the importance in believing in their own ablilities so they can become successful.
To help my students see that everything they do is important and can make a difference, I have started to assign class projects in which as a team the entire class volunteers or provides help to the community. Each individual has a job to do. The project would fail if one person did not pull their weight. So far it has been a success! I have dental assisting students. They raised $505 to provide oral health care supplies to a local children's home. They will visit the home, do presentations and hand out the supplies. Every class we work on this project, even if it is just 5 minutes in sharing what everyone is thinking.The entire class pulled together and everyone has expressed their excitement in being able to be a role model to these children and possibly make a difference in their lives. Which for some of my students, they thought they would never be able to do....be a role model.
We discuss goals, traits of "winners", what it takes to build "TOMA".
