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 Challenging Students

Hello Douglas, I absolutely love class discussion, simply because class discussion brings your introvert students out of their shell. Sometimes students just want to be listened to, and class discussion is a good teaching method to use to listen to your students. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Unfocused Students

Hi Douglas, In most cases my most challenging students are generally the ones right out of high school, therefore, I can agree with you, however, from time to time you get some older students that can be challenging as well. Currently, I have a student right out of high school, and I was able to determine very early during the module based on her actions. The most important thing is that you must get them to understand that they are in college now and not high school, and they must take a serious and mature approach to their education. I… >>>

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Common Instructor Mistakes

Hi Douglas, You've got it. We are instructors. We are not perfect. From time to time, we may make mistakes. The best thing to do is to own up to your mistakes and move forward, instead of trying to think of excuses. Students will have more respect for you, when you take responsibility for your actions. Preparation will help minimize mistakes, but making a mistake is bound to happen. Students realize we are human as well. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Unfocused Students

Hi Kelvin, I have seen where leadership really causes a student to truly focus. There are some students that must feel important at all times. Without importance, the student becomes really bored. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Unfocused Students

Hello Benson, It is a shame to be in college and trying to hide. Most of the time monitoring the classroom will keep students focused and also allowing students to participate in discussions. A private conversation with the student normally does the trick. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Getting Students Interested and Involved in Course Content

Hi Kelvin, It is good to know what was the student's purpose for coming to school. Students always look at their instructors as having our lives fully together. We have to let the students know we have problems too, but we just know how to control our problems, and we realize we can not give up on our dreams due to having problems. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Getting Students Interested and Involved in Course Content

Hi Benson, I generally give practical examples of the course based on how helpful the course can be in the workplace. The way you present the material determines the excitement or boredom of the course. You're right, your personality has to come through to help keep the course content interesting and exciting. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Common Instructor Mistakes

Hi Marie, I have been teaching for 19 years, and I too have made some mistakes along the way, but I've learned from each mistake. We are human, we are going to make mistakes. I normally, reiterate my credentials to students that are having me for the first time. I also speak of my credentials at orientation. After those two occurrences, I generally do not mention my credentials, unless I am asked by a student. It is nothing like having fun while learning. Absolutely, in the classroom, it is not about you, it is all about the student. The students… >>>

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Challenging Students

Hi Marie, You hit the nail on the head, challenging students do come in all forms, but you always confront the student privately, otherwise things may get real ugly. Our students typically have a lot of issues that they bring to school with them, therefore you never know what is causing a student to behave the way he or she does. Talk to the student to find out what's going on. It is important for students to realize the importance of professional behavior. Every opportunity I get to talk about appropriate behavior, I take advantage of it. Challenging students love… >>>

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Getting Students Interested and Involved in Course Content

Hi Marie, I agree the syllabus should be presented thoroughly on the first day. Students are always anxious to get started with the hands-on activity. Students really do like to see visual aid being used in the classroom. You are right, the enthusiasm in the classroom is a trickle down effect from the instructor to the students. I have a thorough PowerPoint presentation on each course I teach to explain to students exactly what they will get from taking the course. The students absolutely love it. At my institution, instructors do not get heavily into salary with students. The placement… >>>

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