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

Hello Godo, I can attest to the language-challenged student. If there is a language barrier, it can truly make things challenging for the student, however, I have found for the language-challenged student, he or she tends to really focus on the concepts being covered. It appears that the student is listening very hard because of the challenge. I have four of these students this module. I've determined that I listen very hard as we are conversing, therefore, it can be challenging for the student as well as the instructor. I too generally have more one-on-one with this type of student.… >>>

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Challenging Students

Hi Godo, You are absolutely correct, students do look forward to class discussion, and they love the feedback. I agree, discussion can be very visual for both the student and the facilitator. Through discussion, we can determine if anything needs to be changed--it is like we can see it. I have seen students open up more due to having class discussion. The students become more comfortable and begin to share more due to having class discussion. Discussion is a good tool to help minimize nervousness, shyness, introvertness, etc. I thoroughly enjoy class discussion. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Challenging Students

Hello Tom, It is nothing like good class discussion. I tend to encourage class discussion in every course that I teach. I love to talk, but I do not dominate the class discussion, I only control the discussion, I enjoy hearing from my students. In certain classes I teach, it is like, "The Patrica Talk Show" we have a ball. As you mentioned, the entire team (class) gets involved, even the shy students will open up. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Common Instructor Mistakes

Hi Tom, I solely agree with you, class preparation is extremely important to help avoid commonly made instructor mistakes. Students can tell very quickly when an instructor is unprepared. Unpreparedness will cause an instrutor to lose credibility. We are all human, and from time to time, we as instructors may make mistakes. Own up to your mistakes and move forward. Students will have greater respect for you, if you take responsibility for your actions. You are right, as adult students, students can see right through things. The old saying still is true, if you mess up "fess" up. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Unfocused Students

Hi Tom, 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

Getting Students Interested and Involved in Course Content

Hi Tom, You are right the discussion must not be fake. Students can easily pick up on any discussion when it is not sincere. Students enjoy discussions when the discussions are nonfake and exciting, and you are working toward the ultimate goal. Listening is always important to any part of instructions. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Getting Students Interested and Involved in Course Content

Hi Godo, You are exactly correct, you must give students a good explanation of the course topics as well as the applications in the market place. Students love to know how this course is going to apply to their career. Students often wonder how am I going to personally benefit from taking this course? You must be able to make a student believe that a particular course has a purpose in the workplace based on their chosen field of study. For every course that I teach, I always present a PowerPoint presentation on the first day of class based on… >>>

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