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

Common Instructor Mistakes

Hi Robert, Isn't that true? Everyone makes mistakes. Simply own up to the mistake and move forward. Students know that as instructors we are not perfect. Using the courtesy title, Mr. or Ms. is such a smart tatic to show respect as well as drawing the line--I am not your buddy, I am your instructor. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Challenging Students

Hey Robert, At my school students are given advisors as well. I agree with you, the student must be comfortable with their advisor, therefore, giving students the option of choosing their own advisor is great. I have had many students come to me to simply say, I am uncomfortable with confronting a particular teacher, and I am comfortable with you as my advisor, please help me. I immediately tell the student how we will proceed. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Unfocused Students

Hello Robert, Students right out of high school can be challenging. Some do not get it that they are no longer in high school; they're in college. I found having a firm private conversation with these students normally work. Group projects tend to work well. It is amazing what can be learned from a group project and most students like working in a group. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Getting Students Interested and Involved in Course Content

Hi Robert, It is a great idea to show the students how the course content will help them in their profession. Honestly, students want to know why they have to take certain courses. Once students understand the relevance of the course to their chosen profession; they don't want to miss a day of the course because of the importance. I have a PowerPoint presentation for every course that I teach based on how the course will help the student in their chosen profession. I get them really excited on the first day to make them not ever want to miss… >>>

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Getting Students Interested and Involved in Course Content

Hello Rachel, You are on point! You are using a super tactic by using examples of your own work experiences and how they relate to get students interested and involved in course content. Students love it when an instructor care share practical experiences and not just book knowledge. Students have a profound interest in the course when they learn from the instructor how the class will help them in their future career choices. Students welcome the opportunity to ask questions, and I too do not sugar coat responses--good or bad. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Getting Students Interested and Involved in Course Content

Hi Linda, It is definitely important to go over the course purpose and topics to be covered, this information sells the student on coming back to class every day. Students want to know why and what they will be learning. Students get real excited when they tour the facility because they feel they are apart of the college. Also, it gives students something to look forward to when it is a discussion about the various machines they will be trained to use. I have found that team effort is a great learning tool because sometimes students can learn from other… >>>

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Unfocused Students

Hello Linda, I too have students that ask so many questions or want to repeat important factors. When I determine those students that have many questions or love to repeat important factors, I have a private conversation with the student. I tell the student, I am excited that you have many questions, and I truly want to answer all of your questions, however, you must limit your questions while we are in class, and I need you to ask questions only when you don't understand because I am dealing with a very tight time constraint to get all the material… >>>

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Getting Students Interested and Involved in Course Content

Hello Joseph, It is imperative that students understand the WIIFM of the course on the very first day. The whole WIIFM concept sells the student on coming back to class the next day. I am in agreement, the course requirements should be directly related to world experiences. Students tend to grasp information more readily when things are related to practical experiences. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Common Instructor Mistakes

Hi LaDonna, You are on point! Own up to your mistakes. Students give you a greater sense of respect when you are big enough to say, "I have made a mistake." You grow professionally when you learn from your mistakes, at least I do. Again, you are on point, the instructor sets the mood of the classroom. Hopefully, the mood you set in your classroom is positive and high energy. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Challenging Students

Hello LaDonna, Students want to know that you are available to them. They love to ask, will you be available, and when you can respond yes, you see the tension eases. I've had students tell me on numerous occassions, you listen to us. Students want you to hear them out. Patricia

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