I think it is important to run your classroom as much like a business as possible. I am a business owner in this industry as well as being an instructor and so I think I have kind of a unique perspective on this one. The closer we relate the classroom to a real world business the better prepared the student will be, it does no good to make the classroom fun and exciting if what is taking place has no application to the business world, remember our students are going to be faced with a very real world and an industry that is quite competitive, and not always user friendly to the new technician. It is easy to sugar coat things and give the student the idea that everything in our industry is fun and cool. Don’t get me wrong I love this Industry and I wouldn’t ever want to do anything else that being said I think it is imperative that we make our students understand that in any business there are challenges and often complex problems that need to be figured out and corrected. The one major difference I see between the real business world and the class room is when the student makes a mistake, or gets lazy it shows up as a lesser grade in the real business world these things can cost them a job or a carrier this is something we must get them to understand.
Kerry--
What a unique perspective! You have a wealth of 'real life' stories you can give to your students that will make them even more qualified and competent on the job.
Susan
I like to tell my students that our relationship is similar to a shop foreman to technician. There are expectations in both cases. Most are the same. When I ran a business, I had to be early and organized. Jobs ready to be delegated as soon as employees arrived. Have clear expectations given to my employees. Be fair and willing to listen to any questions or concerns from them.
My employees were expected to be there every day (on time, consistent timely breaks and lunches); dressed professionally; positive attitude toward everyone they come in contact with. They are both given tasks-jobs that are to be completed.
The differences would be an expectation that the students are learning. They may not get it right the first time. Most tasks will take longer until they gain the experience. They will be “paid†with a grade.
They both have much in common,people skills are needed to succeed and you need to sell your product, which in our case is an education.
David--
This is an excellent analogy for many reasons. FIrst, it's true. Second, it's work related and third...if/when they are in a position to be foreman, they will need to do those things on the 'other side' of the fence.
Susan
I do see similarities between the two. The one I point out a lot is working & learning. In this field things change all the time. If the student doesn't keep up on their education it will affect their paycheck or their position at where they work. While they are at school full time & work part time, the rolls switch when they leave the school.
To some degree business & class room management is simaler . you have to be honest with both, do what you say & be willing to bend if nessary
Adam--
This is a great point about learning taking place all the time...not just while they are in school. The world changes quickly and we all need to be continually learning. This is a huge paradigm shift from our parent's world. We need to be sure to reinforce how to learn.
Susan
Managing a business and a class are the same to the effect that the outcome of both are to have success with your customers.Differences would be your class is self controled and a business has multiple outside influences.
Both classroom and a business can have very similar guide lines. Classroom - group of students, business - group of employees, both need communication and understanding in what is expected and what is needed. Rules and regulations to rewards and benifits are areas that need to be addressed and understood. Success measurement for a business is from product quality and quantity, in the classroom education is measured on quality and to a point quantity, so yes Steve they both can be measured in the same manor.
Managing a successful business and managing a successful class do have some similarities. The successful businessman mustmanage his employees effectively by setting standards and assigning duties to be completed in a timely fashion. If this is done properly the customers keep using the services or products of the business.
In the classroom for an instructor to be successful he must set standards and assign tasks to be completed in a certain time frame.
Businesses are generally considered successful when they not only make a profit but have a growing customer base. The same could be said of a class in that the students would say that they enjoyed the class and were able to learn useable information or skill related to their field.
I think there is a close parallel between class and business management. One is that in education there is emphasis on learning, developing skills and preparation. In a business environment you are learning every day, developing skills and preparation for the days work. Successful business manager will be able to manage employees effectively by setting standards, goals and be able to help employees reach the goals. In education it would be the same.
They are a lot alike you need to make your class intresting so your students want to learn just like a business it has to be maketable also the success of the class was it what the student expected were they happy just like a product where they happy and would they buy it again
Lyle--
If we can continue to make those connections between the classroom and the workplace, students are much more receptive to the environment we establish. Great job.
Susan
James--
Great analogy about students being customers too. The customer sometimes needs 'educating' as well.
Susan
The similarities are to achieve a successful understanding.In the class it's the subject matter. In business it's the bottom line.I really don't believe there are any differences.
There are most certainly some important similarities, time management is critical, a leader that the workers believe in is important and grades are like pay. It is however important that we recognize that as educators we are in the mistake business. By that I mean we need to create an environment where it is safe to take some risk and learn from our mistake and not get fired.
They are very similar because you have to manage your time and people so you get the job done on time so you can get your paper work in also.Success is measured in the shop by how much money you make, in the classroom success is measured on how the students understood the tasks put in front of them.
They do work hand in hand. This also how to ready them into the real world and how things are done. Some times in business you have to be sucessful in school as well.Setting your role with the students makes them respect you even more as they know now what you want and expect of them. I would say they are measured the same as the outcome is the same win or loose. You cant win them all all the time.
Audie Toney.
Avondale UTI.
Salvatore--
This is an excellent point. They say we learn more from our 'mistakes' (failures) than our successes. While we certainly want them to learn the correct way, an environment where they can take risks is important.
Susan
