Patricia Scales

About me

I've been a career educator for over 20 years. I currently serve as the Academic Coordinator for Brookstone College of Business and continue to be active in the classroom as a Business Instructor. My motto is "A student doesn't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." I was honored to receive the Career College Association National Teacher of the Year award in 2001. I just love teaching!

Activity

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Unfocused Students

Hi Dennis, You should never have to stop every 10 minutes to accomodate a student. Not only is the interruption unfair/disrespectful to you, but most importantly it is unfair/disrepectful to the other students. The environment should always be conducive for learning. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Common Instructor Mistakes

Hi Craig, You are absolutely right. You do not have to be a prison warden, but you must be firm and consistent. I always like to add fair to the list as well. These three attributes let students know you are not going to tolerate any foolishness. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Unfocused Students

Hi Clayton, Do not allow students to control you. You are to control them. Students will take advantage of you, and say and do whatever they want, if you do not put a stop to it. Take control, and let them know you are the instructor, and it does not matter what they think. You are the expert, and you know what's best for the students. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Common Instructor Mistakes

Hi Tony, What a response. You hit on some important areas. Never, ever, let your students see you sweat. You can be sweating bullets, but you must not let the students see the sweat. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Challenging Students

Hi Craig, What a great way to handle challenging students. You are right on point. Sometimes it does become necessary to have the student take the day off to simmer and discuss the issues/concerns the next day so that things can go smoothly. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Unfocused Students

Hi Robin, Every course I teach, I have a PowerPoint presentation that tells the purpose of the course, why the course needs to be taken, and the practical concepts that will be learned in the course. The presentation helps the students understand the importance of the course and how they will benefit from it. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Unfocused Students

Hi Carl, It does appear that most of Generation Y wants to be given everything, and they feel as though the world owes them something. I make it a point to let these type students know you must work to get what you want, and nothing is going to be given to you, i.e., if you want an "A" in this class you must produce "A" work. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Common Instructor Mistakes

Hi Edward, Some people are good at "winging it". I must be prepared, otherwise, I feel as though things may fall apart. Great analogy you used in your response. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Common Instructor Mistakes

Hi Edward, I am always afraid to wing things when it comes to teaching. I am one that must be fully prepared. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Challenging Students

Hi Tony, Well said! I firmly believe, "A student doesn't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." Patricia

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