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

Showing examples of student work

Hi Therese, I use previous examples of classes work to show. I never include the student's name. I do not allow critiquing. I show a perfect example so that the students will know what to expect. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Reducing instructor anxiety

Hi Denise, Icebreakers are great leeways into easing the nerves. Instructors really need to practice preparation as well. I've learned that when you are prepared and confident, you are not nearly as nervous. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Creating a positive instructor image

Hi Barry, I like your whole perspective here! I can tell you are a role model for your students, and you are an excellent instructor! Continue to lead by example! Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Showing relevancy of course content

Hi Shelley, Involvement is what students need. A lot of role playing, hands-on, simulations, group work, etc. make these type classes very exciting, interesting, and fun. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Avoiding common instructor mistakes

Hi Miranda, I concur! Preparation is a must! Mistakes are inevitable. We all make them and will continue to do so as long as we live. As you have stated admit the mistake, correct the mistake, and keep it moving. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Making course requirements clear for students

Hi Ashley, Students need to know what is expected of them on Day 1 so that they can begin to condition their minds to do well. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Getting buy in from students

Hi Melinda, Students love it when we make theory applicable to the real world. Students need to and want to know that the information that they are learning is going to be useful in the real world. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Managing angry students

Hi Lisa, Over my 23 years of teaching, I seldom come across students that I am unable to reach. It seems like everything you do to try to build a rapport with the student, nothing works. I really have a strong connection with about 95% of my students, simply because I am a fair, and they know I genuinely care about them. I lead by example and prepare my studentds thoroughly for the work world. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Capturing student attention

Hi Laura, Students need to be exposed to real world examples in the classroom before entering the workplace so that they will know what is expected of them when they do enter the workplace. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Capturing student attention

Hi Sylinda, Students knowing that they can earn participation points sparks their attention. At my institution, we have a standard 5% built into all syllabi for participation points. Patricia

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