When they tell me "Ill TRY to get it done" I quote Yoda......"do or do not, there is no try" Theres an open door you will either walk through or you wont. Theres is nothing to "TRY"
Jay,
I read a mamnagement book written by the gentlemen who is now the mayor of Indianapolis in which he recommended knowing the operational objectives at least two levels above one's current position. You seem to agree with the concept.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I ALWAYS encourage my direct reports to grow and become more knowledgeable about the operations of the organization. I have a sign in my office that reads "Make It Happen, No Excuses" so I expect them to become involved in activities on campus with all departments and participate somehow, no matter how small the task may seem. In the end it impacts our students and the success of the campus. In this field we need go getters and co-workers who demonstrate that type of attitude. I ensure that they receive plenty of public praise for their involvement and "can do" attitude.
I do the same for the students. If they have suggestions for improved educational experience I get them encourage them to draft implementations and become involved. Same approach to their school work, attendance, etc. They must have buy-in.
by using alot of visual aid working on actual equipment the students will be working with when they graduate (i teach electrical motor controls)
I often make sure they succeed. I start some of my classes with relatively easy quizzes. I believe success will bred success.
Thanks for sharing this, John. How do you "cure" tunnel vision?
Jeffrey Schillinger
so often they have tunnel vision, by opening their eyes they will see they have so many oportunitys
I try to inspire students every class meeting by reminding them why they are here, and assure them that I am here for them if they need to talk about anything. If student's are feeling the program is too difficult for them, I remind them of the positive things they will gain in the end...education, decent paying job, independence, providing for their family.
Sarah,
Listening is the key. Thans for pointing this out.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I really like to be the servant leader. It is important that I let my staf and faculty know that I may have a different job title, but we all have the same goal of our student's success. I have no issue doing a department's job if it helps them go in the right direction. I also believe that it shows that we are all in this together.
For the students, I will relate my own background of a sigle parent who put myself through school to make a better life. I actually have been through much of what they are going through and can truly empathize with many of the situations that arise. Listening to them is one of the greatest tools that can be used. Often, they are dismissed without being heard. This is the first step in helping them learn how to overcome life's obstacles instead of giving up, as they usually do.
I use the "all you can eat buffet" analogy. You can go to the all you can eat buffet and only eat one piece of pizza and drink one glass of soda then leave and complain that you didn't get your money's worth OR you can be like me and get 3rd's forths and fifths and then have to be rolled out on a cart. I'm definatly getting my moneys worth. No one will ever tell you "No, no more learning for you today, you have met your quota. You must stop learning right now!" That's only controled by one person. Yourself.
Jaime,
The "believe in yourself" message is pretty common, as most folks know it is necessary for success. The tough part is inspiring that belief. What are some specific things you do to inspire students to believe in themselves?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I'm constantly telling my students to think positively. The mind is a very powerful thing. If they feel like they are going to fail an exam, they probably will. I let them know though that if they put in the effort and believe they can do something, they will succeed. They are also in charge of their destiny when they go out into the field and start working. They need to take charge and accomplish their goals. They just need to be motivated and confident.
my background is humble, I am the oldest daugher in a family of 11. Not much $. I grew up ion a "rough" neighborhood. I barely finished high school, I had to work to pay bills. I worked hard in college and studied, I was determed to be a success. I have had a brillant career. I became an ASE master technician( one of the first women) I ran technical training centers for Jaguar cars inc ( for 18 years) and traveled the world in lusury improt cars. I can do it, so can you. I am living proof that you can succeed if you want to.
I share with my students different stories from my career, good and bad, and let them know that even when they make a mistake, as long as we are able to recognize it and implement the change needed to correct it, then it's okay. We even encourage our students to make mistakes here at school with their skills so we can help correct them before they get to their clinical practicum. We encourage students to practice and share with each of us the joys of making it right. We celebrate the students achievements and accomplishments with awards or having a cake or even with the grads, we have a graduation luncheon where we address their accomplishments and give them pins and awards.
Stephanie,
A simple "hello" and "goodby" are very valuable. Thanks for this post.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I encourage my student everyday. I greet them at the door when they enter the classroom and I also say goodbye personally when they leave.
We also talk about our goals on a regular basis, so the students always remember why they are doing this.
I beleive in inspiring by "leading by example". I put forth positive energy, work hard, and really care about working with the students and my colleagues. I feel that it is important to model great working behavior if you ever want to inspire others to do the same.
Students often feel that setting long-term goals is more stressful than setting short-term goals. Short-term goals naturally seem easier to manage and attain. When they are accomplished, students feel an immediate sense of success that can carry on to future goals. Therefore, by setting their own short-term goals, students feel that their aspirations are more manageable and self-efficacy will rise. With encouragement from teachers, students’ confidence levels and commitment to future goals rise. In addition to encouragement, teachers should give frequent, meaningful feedback. Students then attribute this feedback to their efforts and their motivation is enhanced.
Thanks for this post, Jean. Finding a way to make the topic real is key to inspiring adults to learn.
Jeffrey Schillinger
