Organizational skills reflection of who we are
I believe that organizational skills are not only the result of education and training, but an extension of the person we really are as well.
Hi Carmella:
Yes, and we all have a version of that to one degree or another.
I believe if we are are genuine ad honest with students, thy will see we are sncere, and respect that we are being a real version of ourselves.
Regards, Barry
Carmella, I think you are absolutely correct. An organizational technique that might work well for some, may not work at all for others.
It has been my experience that in order to get organized, I need to create processes that support my habits, rather than trying to change my habits in order to get more organized.
For example, I have a bad habit of grabbing the mail on my way in the house (with my hands full of all sorts of other stuff) and setting it all down right in the corner of my kitchen. The problem was, my important bills would get lost in the jumble of junk mail. So, I put a push pin in the wall in that corner and use a binder clip to hang all my bills in one place together. Also, instead of trying to get in the habit of taking those 5 extra steps to get the clothes in the basket, I just moved the basket to where I usually toss the clothes. Problem solved!
I do also want to say that a little bit of organization can go a long way in reducing stress, by reducing clutter that causes anxiety and being able to find things quickly.
I want to touch on the area of respect. Being organized shows not only respect for the students and their time and money, but it also shows respect for yourself, your area of instruction and your institution.
Hi Margaret:
Great point. I think students paying for their education in vocational schools or any other setting desrve the full essence of their teacher, expressed in terms of time, effort, thought, and planning. Good teachjers will be able to organize what they need for class and therefore be prepared for dynamic, thorough classes. In this way, we are showing the students that we respect their effort in retun. It also shows we respect ourselves and are willing to do what's need. It shows we respect theprofession or career area we're teaching.
This is a great opportunity to demomstrate good role modeling and may display some of the soft skills of timeliness, attendance, grooming, appearence, confidence, courtesy, good manners, and professional behavior.
Regards, Barry
Hi Hannah,
Thank you for the frank example you gave. It really shows that people have weaknesses but could get better at it. Also, I like how you reassured the thought process I usually have; which is the "need to create processes that support my habits, rather than trying to change my habits in order to get more organized.
One of the instructors at my work is always complaining that she can not do what we do because she needs to be at work 1 hour ahead in order to feel comfortable while others could come in 10 min ahead and do just as great. I think it is awesome that we all have our own ways and those our all unique. I find it refreshing to hear you reassuring the depth of the need for working with habits we already have and improving upon those personalities.
Organizational skills in the classroom shows students you are prepared for class and it sets an example for them. Organizational skills are involved in any career and it helps to encourage students to be prepared by your example.
Hi Lynn:
Being organized is a state of of mind, of sorts.
Organized teachers put time, effort, thought, and planning into their daily routines. You're right, this is a kind of role modeling.
But more importantly, their is improved time efficiency (less wasted time), smoother classes, better quality student engagement, and more interesting and enjoyable classes. That's worth putting in some planning time.
Regards, Barry
I agree completely with Margaret. Adult students are very observant and are in tune with how the instructor genuinely feels about the class as a whole. If an instructor can't take the time to organize the material they are presenting to the class, how could the instructor possibly respect the student? I am a firm believer in being prepared and being in the class early (about 5 to 10 minutes) to show the students that I mean business and I care about their education.
Hi Shawna:
"Being there" for the student before class is good, especially when all needed materials, lessons, media, and training aides are ready to go as well. Sometimes, if there no questions, just visiting with students reinforces the relationship and builds respectnand trust in the teacher.
Regards, Barry
