Being Positive
If one is not happy on the inside it will not be projected on the outside.
I agree with this statement. That is why I make sure I am happy and positive each time I step on campus. I even teach our students a way to center and ground themselves to be as positive as possible.
Rebeccca,
Many people have trouble leaving the baggage in the hallway. What is your secret?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I check whatever negative baggage I may have before I walk into the classroom. Negativity shows on your face and the studens can tell. They are there to learn and deserve to have a prepared positive instructor.
Debra,
Thise who are not happy would do well to either find a reason to get happy or to look for a position in which they can find hapiness. Our students deserve this.
Jeffrey Schillinger
If you are not happy it does show on the outside and your students pick up on this. We all need to try and be happy at work so we can help keep the students positive.
You should always count how many good things are present in your life. If you focus on the positive things in your life you will transfer all of that good energy to your classroom and students.
I agree, Loren. Not only does being positive make you feel better, but it also makes others feel better as well, especially students. I often hear students complaining, saying, "Why do we have to learn this material? It's not relevant to what we want to do." I respond in a positive manner, explaining that it will help them become better-rounded people. Sometimes I think you have to take their negative energy and turn it into positive energy.
Thanks, Jackie.
What can one do to persuade a negative person to move toward a positive perspective?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I side with the positive. There is too much negativity around us eash day. I choose not to contribute to the negativity.
Jackie ,
Instructors have the ability to all but control what type of day they will have by the attitude they take into the classroom with them each day.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Being positive has it's rewards. As an instructor, you set the tone for the class and if you consistantly project a positive outlook it will reflect on ;your students and hopefully encourage them to continue the positive outlook.
I completely agreed with this concept. Being positive actually makes teaching my student a lot easier for me and it makes the student remain positive through the class. Lecturing becomes a task rather than something i enjoy when i am not positive
Being Positive is the best one can do for oneself. Being Positive makes a hugh impact on the students and the final outcome of learning.
People like to be around positive people, students want to learn from someone positive.
i agree, and that is why I spend a few minutes every day to get myself prepared for class (mentaly).
Brian,
Thank you for this post. Studies have shown it takes as many as eleven positive people to make up for one negative person. How does your schoool work together to overcome negativity?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree that sarcastic attitudes and jokes can impact people's attitudes. When faculty makes a negative comment about a student's performance I try to counteract it with a positive one or remind them that it takes time to learn.
Virginia,
Great point. Parents who complete college have a much greater chance of having children who complete college. By getting the first person in the family through, we may be setting up academic success for generations.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Absolutely false--students are very good at picking up your body language. These young people will hardly listen to what you say when your body language (manner) projects negativity or indifference.
We are changing the lives of our students--it affects not only them, but all their family.
