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

Capturing student attention

Hi Jerry, The first day is crucial. If you can win them over on the first day, half the battle is done. Let them know on Day 1 the purpose of the course and how the can benefit from the course. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Class management for student success

Hi Janelle, Yes they do! Even adults need structure and clarity so that effective learning can take place. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Interacting with students

Hi Jerry, It is the instructor's responsibility to have meaningful discussions and to keep the class on topic. Some students will intentionally try to get the instructor off topic so that they do not have any work for that particular day. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Reducing student cheating

Hi Thomas, I am straight foward and to the point with my students. I let them know that we are spreading out so that we will not have wandering eyes/cheating. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Maintaining a professional image

Hi James, You are definitely on point! We as instructors must think about it, there is a distinct difference between being friendly verses being friends. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Showing relevancy of course content

Hi Rachael, When students see that the skills/course can be applied to real life/on the job they have a better appreciation for what is going on. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Dealing with students who shift blame to others

Hi Joshua, Great response! I can tell you really sympathize and empathize with your students, but you do not tolerate their foolishness and lame excuses. I understand life happens, but we must prepare our students to be quality employees in the workplace. An employer can really care less about all the excuses; bottom line is that the employer wants the job done. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Critical Thinking Activities

Hi Alexandra, Scenarios are excellent for students to evaluate and bring out their best critical thinking. Scenarios give you and the student a great idea as to how a particular student would handle a situation on the job. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Critical Thinking Activities

Hi Jeff, I've learned that group activities work extremely well with critical thinking. I've always been told that 2 brains are better than 1. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Maintaining a professional image

Hi Yaneidis, The instructor has to be the leader in all areas so that students are imitating a strong professional. Patricia

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