Actively try to recognize and affirm positive behaviors.
Jenny,
Thanks for this post. It is amazing how much good a kind word can do for a student.
I find that truly giving a student a pat on the back when they accomplish something, especially something they didn't believe they could do, goes a long way. Just that type of gentle encouragement can really brighten their day and motivate them to do well on their future assignments.
Lend a helping hand to both my students and coworkers. I also share a lot of stories from my own life that are relatable to class. Through my stories, my students can see the connection to trying hard and doing your best.
An example, an assignment that requires traits that they possess to complete it. Monitor the progress and encourage them. When it is complete, give them constructive feedback and positive reinforcement.
Thank you for this post. Angelia.
What are some specific behaviors ine must engage in to "walk the talk" that you reference?
I belive in the values of the school. If we are positive we can bring forth self-efficacy through these shared goals.
To inspire faculty and students to great self-efficacy I believe I have to positive walk to the talk
Incouragement, speak positive and show them that it takes will and effort to accomplish a posituve goal
After high school, I was hired at my first job, and became bored with it after 1.5 years. So I decided to attend a trade school, like the one in which I am teaching. I always use this as an opener with my new students, so they can see me like themselves....and it is true. I am the first in my family to graduate with a BS degree. Then I went on to finish a Master's degree, and a Ph.D.
Both of my parents attended college, but did not graduate, for the same reasons that so many of our students have. My parents did not really push me, or even spoke about college much to me. The decisions were mine to make, and I knew that I had to do it on my own. They helped me through school by allowing me to live at home. I was able to dredge up the motivation from within myself to work on graduating from a certificate program, and then saved to attend night classes at the university.
My parents were also struggling, as my father had been out of work for almost four (4) years. With the gifts that my Higher Power bestowed on me, I took life one day at a time, succeeded, and achieved goals that I had made for myself. Throughout my education, I only racked up $2,000 in loans, and paid them back immediately upon graduation. Life continues to be an uplifting one, especially in the area of personal change....from negative to positive, and I share this, as it is appropriate, with students.
Because parental support for education was slim, I sought support from my neighbor, instructors, and other mentors. I understood that my parents did not have the tools to help me, so I accepted it, and moved on. You cannot teach a child to brush his/her teeth if you do not know yourself. I guess you can call it substitution, for lack of a better word. By accepting my parents lack of input, I was able to move on, and not continue to "be stuck" in my thinking which would have been unproductive for me. Now I understand the bigger picture, as this is just one part of it. I hope this helps someone.
Constantly remind the students of where they were technically and educationally when they first walked in the door to seek information about their program. Ask them to comment on where they are now as compared to then. Tell them it was their own abilities that got them to where they are now.
Though I always encourage students to achieve the best grade they can, it can be a big help to convey that in the long run it isn't really the grade that is the usefull take-away. They can learn a lot and have a good experience if they simply don't dwell on their letter grade. I try to help them see the value in the small achievements. Little by little they are learning important things. When I notice students who seem discourage with themselves, I try to rally them by chunking up the content. "just do this one thing well", then on to the next "just one thing well". They seem more comfortable with the grade they get when they can make many smaller strides.
Support any and all ideas they have of becoming a better person, chef , student, dont discourage them in their thinking
Comunication on all levels. Learn from you peers and set good examples everyday.
Ask questions if you have concerns or needs.
Listen to students and lead by example.
Be positive and work with students & the company to help them achieve their goals.
Greg,
Thank you for sharing this post. How do your students react to these stoies about your experience? How do you get them to share their applicable experiences?
I love to talk with my students and share the thirty plus years in this type of business. The passion for the sport and business. The love of doing it on your schedule and making your own dreams come true. And enjoying every day you are working??????? Thats the satifaction of our lives...
Experience is the best teacher. Once a student experiences succes they have a taste of self-efficacy. Hopefully that taste can withstand moments of less than success. If a student can continue to try in the face of past defeats, due to self-effcacy, we have created not only a good student but a great individual with employer-envied values. A student's success comes in so many varied ways; homework; quizzes; tests.
Having students perform a task successfully can promote confidence in that area.
I had a co-worker encourage me in this manner last week. I told her I felt overwhelmed and that there is still so much I don't know and she said, "Think about how much you have learned!"
I don't consider myself inspirational but I think we can encourage others to greater self-efficacy by meeting the goals we set for ourselves. When students and office mates see us meet our goals it may inspire them to continue with theirs. Our attitude, our honesty and our dilligence can be influential.
supportive and empathetic but most importantly helping them see how they can be empowered. to offer different options or prespectives.
