Ten random responses to,
“What would your students say if
I asked them what makes you a great educator?”
I remind the student that my
ease/knowledge (or whatever the student calls it) comes from years of
practice. Time and practice are all
that are needed to make a student into a clinician.
I wonder if it is simply
that I love what I do and that I learn something new every day. My take home message is that I hope students
see that where there is passion/commitment and willingness to learn - you will
become a better clinician.
I challenge students to consider
what they want to get out of their fieldwork experience.
I remind myself that I can learn valuable
things from my students; I have them take on the role of educator!
I encourage independence and debrief re: the
experience; independence is the most significant facilitator to building
confidence I have seen in my students.
I ask for feedback and questions! Students may say
they don't have a question about a certain situation, but I often find they're
just processing what's going on and may have questions later.
I focus on their strengths as I think if they feel
confident in one area, it will help boost their confidence in areas that need
work.
I try to remember that I’m not necessarily evaluating
a student to do my job; I am evaluating their ability to demonstrate an OT
skill set; I align expectations with the stage of learning they are at.
My thoughts are that they are a person first and a
student second. I try to remember what
it felt like to be a student. Although
it was a long time ago, some memories (good and bad) are pretty fresh. It is not easy to be a student and
encouragement is always welcome! It is
intimidating for me to take a student (maybe I shouldn’t admit that?!?) because
I question my knowledge base. So I also
try to remember I have a lot to learn from a student too and it is positive
experience.
.
I feel very lucky to work in an area I love, and like
my job sells itself in a lot of ways! But maybe having a student is a reminder
to showcase the work I do as an OT and to celebrate it.
Lisa
Updated by Julie, 2024
