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

Managing angry students

Hi James, I like this procedural technqiue. It sounds like this is very effective. Listening is always key when dealing with an angry student. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Getting students excited about course content

Hi Paul, If you do this I am sure you using a very calming approach to giving a test, I assume upon the first meeting. This approach can be intimidating if it is not handled correctly. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Blog

To Enforce Policies or Not to Help Increase Retention

Are you the type of instructor that will bend a policy so that your retention percentage or the institution’s retention percentage is higher? I am not. I enforce all rules, policies, and procedures. I am a firm believer of not sacrificing standards to save a student because of the idea of not hurting retention. I understand retention is the utmost importance at career colleges, but policies are in place to be adhered to, not broken. A lot of instructors may be afraid of job loss as to the reason they bend policy. I understand… >>>

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Creating a positive instructor image

Hi Teresa, You are on point! We should make it a practice to be on time and prepared every day. Remember, we are being judged. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Showing relevancy of course content

Hi Matt, Super! Students want and need to know how they can utilize/benefit from learned information in their industry! What a great way to explain the concept of contracts to make it appear real to students so that they understand. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Reducing instructor anxiety

Hi Dragush, Students want to hear about real life experiences. They get motivated by our stories. Whenever both the students and the instructor are comfortable, it really helps minimize anxiety. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Reducing instructor anxiety

Hi Patricia, I am just simply real good at memorizing names. I do not do anything special to memorize names. Perhaps, you can utilize some of the posted ideas to help you. Patricia

Patricia Scales

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Dealing with students who shift blame to others

Hi Glenn, You are right! During my tenure of 21 years I can count the students on one hand who are simply not good fits. If they are not a good fit, it is best to part ways. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Dealing with students who shift blame to others

Hi Carrie, Teaching is definitley a lot like parenting, regardless of the age of child or student. It baffles me to know how adults are unable to problem solve. We have to be mothers and fathers too to our students is what it seems like. Patricia

Patricia Scales

Discussion Comment

Getting students excited about course content

Hi Jerry, Once students learn how they can utilize the information, they get a great interest in the course. Patricia

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