The Classroom Plan

It has been eight years since I began teaching as an adjunct instructor. My desire was to teach speech courses at the college level. Now I teach speech communication courses and English composition courses. In 2008, I graduated with a Master's degree in Education Technology and in 2010, I completed my MBA degree with a concentration in marketing. Returning to school has helped me to understand how the advancement of technology has changed education forever. The classroom of the 21st century requires educators to have a plan that makes them more marketable. Many educators have their on consulting businesses. They network and have a following through websites, social media, and blogs.   

My mission is to help students to discover themselves. It is my responsibility to set the tone for classroom success by how I strategize my training. Yes, when my students struggle, it is my job to ask why and offer a plan.

My plan for success in the classroom includes:

• Enthusiasm
• Dedication 
• Strong Listening Skills
• Patience
• Creative Projects    

I developed this plan, because I want my students to experience learning. It is exciting to see students succeed. Over time I have learned so much from them. I believe that there is a plan to fail and a plan to succeed. However, it is my goal to help my students to value education as an investment. This is the way I see it:

Portfolio

• Education    

Products

• Pre-School
• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School
• College
• Graduate School

Planning

• Lectures
• Classroom Technologies
• Discussions
• Homework
• Classwork
• Parent/Teacher Conferences
• Group Projects
• Class Trips
• Guest Speakers
• Presentations
• Networking Events

Solutions

• Parents
• Administrators
• Teachers
• Instructors
• Guidance Counselors
• Tutors
• Tutoring Centers
• Study Labs
• Study Partners
• Study Groups

   The Best Return

• A lifestyle with endless opportunities. 

Using Hands-On Projects To "Break the Ice"

Since I am visual, I map out the type of projects that students enjoy. This also is a great way to help them to break the ice. Working with a generation that has spent a lifetime with technology, interactive projects that include technology creates balance. They have options to create products (example: by making a couch out of cardboard) or plan an event (example: a fashion show as a fundraiser that takes place in the classroom). These projects help to strengthen listening skills, social skills, and etiquette skills. I focus on these skills, because we need to know how to communicate effectively with one another in the world. Sometimes I do "the meeting project, which is so much fun. Students solve a corporate problem by conducting a meeting.

Moving Forward 

This recession gives us the opportunity to reassess our values. As educators, we need to change the way we think. Teaching is a service. It is necessary for us to understand how to incorporate technology in the training process. Make networking a daily goal. There are many people to talk to about education. Begin to communicate via social media. You will find many educators, who are waiting to brainstorm with you.

Students can have great success, but it begins with dedication to self. As students, it is important to make sacrifices now. Begin to journal. Through writing daily, you will get to know yourself. Be a leader. You owe it to yourself to think for yourself so that one day you can make decisions for others.