Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi George, As was mentioned in the course, instructors will be models one way or another. (Positive or Negative) Instructors need to be very conscious of how they present themselves to the students. They must make sure that they do not develop annoying habits or speech patterns that will focus the attention of the students on the delivery and not the content. In addition, instructors have to model the role of the professional within the field that students are training for. This is done by language, dress, manner, etc. The key words as you listed them are being a “true… >>>

Hi George, Observation is a powerful learning tool isn't it? We can learn so much from watching how others perform their duties. This is true whether it is a craft or teaching. I would suggest that as you observe other instructors you have in mind an idea of what you are wanting to see in their performance. I always develop either a written or mental check list of the things I want to be aware of in my observations. I put this list on a 5x7 card and that way I make sure I can make some notes about my… >>>

Hi Katayoun, The learning environment must reflect two very important components. It should reflect the business/industry standard for which you are training. That is the most relevant and current equipment and instructional support. It should also reflect your educational personality and how you approach learning. You may be a person that likes color or music and you should have this in your classroom. Keeping in mind that you do not want to distract your students but support them. If the class is a lab class with much noise then you might want to use bulleting boards to convey messages and… >>>

Hi Peggy, Right you are! You have to be organized as an instructor as well as a worker in the field of surgical assisting. By giving the students an organized learning environment you are setting the stage for their learning as well as giving them a role model to follow. As you know modeling a desired behavior is as important if not more so to talking about it. The students can see order, sequence, and structure to what your teaching them and for your adult students take a bit longer to grasp the course content they have the added advantage… >>>

Hi Peggy, You have to become a human as well as a leader to your students. By taking them through some of your life experiences you help them to understand that you are human an d you have made mistakes. These mistakes have helped you to become a stronger professional. You are also setting the stage for them to let them know that you will endure their mistakes as long as they are trying and improving. You are going to do everything you can to get them through the skill development phase enabling them to be successes in their field.… >>>

Hi Karmon, The cell phone issue is a tricky one as you have explained. The issue has to be handled on a local basis, meaning what ever policy your school sets and then what you will accept in your class as the instructor. I think you have developed a very reasonable policy based upon your student population. When starting a new class I discuss with the students the rules that will be a part of the class structure so there won't be any misunderstanding. As you well know each phase there are those students that violate the rules and I… >>>

Hi William, Good job with improving the learning environment for your students. No one likes to work in a mess. By improving the classroom/lab setting you sent a message to your students that you are a professional and that you what to establish a quality learning setting for your students. Another critical component of the learning environment is the sense of community you give your students. They should feel comfortable and secure when they are in your class. They know you respect them as students and will do everything you can to help them learn. Bringing these two components together… >>>