Patricia Scales

Hi Michael, It is so sad for students to graduate from high school without the basic skills. Whenever the student enrolls in college, the student expects the college instructors to work miracles for them. It is extremely challenging to teach someone in college without the basics. I have seen students in college without the basics become so frustrated that they eventually dropout. I have also seen the student get placed on academic probation because he or she is unable to perform academically. At my institution, we have had to put students out because they simply can not pass any course.… >>>

Hello John, It is nothing like having to deal with a student who is unprepared. It is very frustrating to the instructor, however, as the instructor we must still try to reach the unprepared student as well, which makes it extremely challenging. I always have a private conversation with the unprepared student, emphasizing the point of the importance of being prepared. You are on point, the students who do not attend are a serious problem as well. I understand the importance of being in class for such subjects as accounting. You must come to your accounting class to grasp the… >>>

Hello James, There really is nothing like real world examples. Once you have experienced situations on a particular topic, you can present about the topic from an entirely different perspective. Students enjoy hearing instructors' stories about a given experience. I always try to incoporate actual experiences in my lectures. It is always smart to inform student how they will be perceived by other professionals and their coworkers. In my Professional Development class we discuss how one is viewed by other professionals at length. Some students do not have a clue about how things are in the professional world, therefore, it… >>>

Hi Anne, Showing a student your masterpiece is always a plus. During speech, I always give a sample speech, and I share the visual that I created for my speech with my students. Student becomed wowed by seeing the instructor's work. by seeing the instructor's work, it gives the students confidence that they can do it too. It is always good to poise questions to your students to determine their perception of the course or an additional course based on how the course would help them. Students give great feedback based on these types of questions. I love finding out… >>>

Hi Samuel, I certainly understand how the inattentive student could be the most challenging. How do you feel the group strategy keeps the inattentive student focused? I generally will have a private conversation once I notice a student is not attentive. I also will move the inattentive student to the front of the room, and I like to have interaction in class with the inattentive student. My inattentive student is the student I will call on to read, answer questions, give examples based on the lesson, etc. Before long the inattentive student turns into a very attentive student because he… >>>

Hi Annie, Using articulation during your delivery is very important. It doesn't cost a thing to smile, I too smile alot with my students. Smiling lets the students know that you are personable, pleasant, perhaps nice, approachable, nonintimidating, etc. I have always focused on having excellent eye contact as well. Eye contact can let the students know that you are confident. It is nice when you can add practicallity to your courses--it is nothing like saying "been there done that" so to speak. I am sure students enjoy hearing your experiences as an artist and designer. You're right, your work… >>>