I always start each semester with excitement, loaded with useful knowledge that I can't wait to share with my students! My expectations are that everyone sitting in those seats, looking up at me expectantly, is just as eager to learn what I am offering. It's easy for me to fantasize that no one will miss a single class, that everyone will have done all the reading that has been assigned...early even (hey, it's my fantasy). Homework is not a chore, but a delightful way to make sure that they learn it for life and to show me how much they know. Whether shy or not, everyone will make an effort to participate and ask questions which enhances the learning of everyone, including me. When life happens and an assignment is left undone, the student will never offer excuses, but accept the consequences with grace and style and continue right where they left off. My students never complain and are happily flexible in the face of schedule changes. Can't you just see the sunlight streaming in from the windows and the music playing softly in the background...
Ok, back to reality. There are no windows in my classroom and the walls are prison grey. The computer screens at every desk are bright and constitute a serious temptation to steal your attention away from the tasks at hand. You may have partied too hard last night, or the baby wouldn't let you sleep - so you’re fighting to stay awake. You may be in love and can only think about him/her – and no instructor can compete with that! There is a knot in the pit of your stomach because you know you didn't do the reading or the homework and you can only hope that won't tank your grade. Somewhere deep down inside of you, you are afraid that the instructor will embarrass you or you will embarrass yourself in front of everyone. Well, welcome to the club! Everyone is a member of the fallible human race, including yours truly.
I have to stand in front of you even if I’m having a bad hair day, my lipstick is smudged, or I spilled some tea on my blouse. I woke up with a headache that morning and I can’t remember what in the world I was just talking about. My head is jammed with so much more information than you need or stories than I have time to share. Oh, the whining and complaining to endure from my students when I have to change the schedule or announce anything new. And on top of all that, I live with the daily reality that my students are judging me every day in every way expecting me to be perfect.
What I have learned over my 10 years of teaching college students is that if you want a perfect instructor, you have to be a perfect student! It’s the same with regard to respect, - if you give respect, you get respect in return. In this small community, it’s possible that a former student of mine could have made a comment to me about you (good or bad) – but everyone starts in my class with a clean slate. Your reputations in high school or among the other students does not matter at all to me. You are all shiny, new adults to me with unlimited potential and if you let me, I will show you avenues of enrichment that will help you on your journey of life. All I ask in return is that you set aside the gossip about the instructors (good or bad) that students love to indulge in and allow yourself to be teachable. Since we both know that perfection is unobtainable, commit to being the best student you can be and I will be the best instructor I can be too!
Well put. "Be teachable" is my tag on more than one writer's forum.
ReplyDeleteI hope to be a student that learns quickly and can grasp all the information that will come with this class.
ReplyDeleteI plan to be a student that is responsible and completes every assignment to the best of my ability.
ReplyDeleteMy goal for college is to successfully complete these five years it is going to take to obtain the degree I will need to continue on in this journey people like to call, life. So I will be the best student I can be and absorb all nessesary information to get to the next level. Kind of like a video game.
ReplyDeleteI want to be the student that completes all of my work on time and builds a good relationship with the teacher and my classmates. Looking forward to this semester!
ReplyDeleteMy name is James Parker and I plan to be a student that learns concepts quickly, as well as doing good in the class. I plan to better myself, gain knowledge, and better my future in a professional field.
ReplyDeletei want to be a student who listens to instruction, completes all assigned homework, and i hope to learn more about using computers.
ReplyDeleteI want to be the student who gains a refresher on everything I've already learned and even learns a few new things in the process.
ReplyDeleteI plan on being willing to learn and as prompt and prepared as possible. Here's to a perfectly imperfect semester!
ReplyDeleteI hope to be a responsible student who completes all assigned work. I will strive to do my very best and learn to the best of my ability.
ReplyDeleteI will behave and pay attention. I will also complete every assignment to the best of my ability.
ReplyDeleteI plan on being absorbant, soaking information with enthusiasm (or as much as I can put forth on the particular day), and looking forward to each period. Though I cant guarentee I will be the best student, I can tell you I'm going to try to be a great one.
ReplyDeletefor the record, the comment above is Anthony Chambers
ReplyDeleteMy name is Amanda LaCore and I plan to be a great student who does all of her work and gets it all turned in on time. I took a class just like this in high school so I know what we will be doing, yes I may need some refreshers but I will understand most of it.
ReplyDeleteI want to learn everything I can from this class and do my best. I plan to turn my work in on time and do a good job.
ReplyDeleteto be a better student than previous years.
ReplyDeleteI plan on coming to class everytime with at least a good attitude, and to learn at my best ability.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Michael Bennett and I plan on being in class on time and having my homework complete to the best of my ability and turned in on time.
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else I plan on getting through this semester with all A's especially in my CIS class. I'm do for an A. Well said Mr. Daley!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI hope to leave a lasting impression but the not the kind that you don't want to see again. Like your post said no one is perfect but one of things i hope to develop and accomplish is learn as much as I can with as little procastination as I can.
ReplyDeleteI plan to be the student that tries hard at everything. Just the way I do in life. Being a songle mom of 4 children has really taught me how to manage my time. I know that I will have my days where everything will go wrong. I will pick myself back up and keep going.
ReplyDeleteAs a student i plan to be green and growing. I came to OTC to better my quality of life and grow as a person.
ReplyDeleteI plan to be an attentive student as well as an engaged student to the best of my abilities not only in this course but throughout my entire college journey.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to learning all i can in your clas. This is a great new adventure for me and hopefully i can overcome my computer illiteracy.
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to take as much out of this class as possible. I feel as if computers are intimidating, and I would like to leave this class without that feeling of intimidation. I plan to work extremely hard in this class because I feel as if, for me, it will be a challenge.
ReplyDeleteI don't see the post i made yesterday so i will try again. I will be an attentive student in class. I will participate in classroom discussion and i will complete my homework to the best of my abilities.
ReplyDeleteStephanie Carlile
I am in college because I want to be, not because it is expected of me. I just turned 30 and have realized that in order for me to reach my goals I have to be an active participant in my own life. With all that said I plan on being the best student I can be.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to learn as much as i can with this class. Computers will pay a huge part of my career of choice. So i am going to do what i do best, by trying to be the best.
ReplyDeleteI hope to be a quick learner!!It has been a while since I have been on the computer on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteWell, of course, I hope to be the perfect student... But then I also had hoped to be the perfect wife, mother, employee, etc... And found that nobody's perfect. I'm returning to school after a 15 year stretch to better match my education to my experience. I think we'll get along just fine. I'm hear by choice this time around : )
ReplyDeleteI am going to do my best to be the perfect student. I am going to school to further my education after over 15 years of being out of school. I prey for the best.
ReplyDeleteI hope to be a good student. I am usually on time to class... When I know what time it starts and turn in my homework on time.
ReplyDeleteI hope to be a good student, I am usually nerd early to class. I do not know if that makes me a nerd or not.:)
ReplyDeleteI Plan on doing the best I possibly can and learn as much as I can, so I can use everything I learn to better my future. I plan on turning all my home work in on time and and doing whatever I have to, to succeed while having fun.
ReplyDeleteI plan to stay caught up, and not fall behind.
ReplyDeleteI will be respectful to you and my classmates and will work as hard as I can.
ReplyDeleteI will do my work, be respectful, and try hard to learn as much as i can.
ReplyDeleteBrent Rainey
I plan to be the student that is always willing to learn and never gets behind in my work. Im not very computer smart so I hope to learn a lot and to ask plenty of questions!
ReplyDeleteI plan to be a teachable student, someone always ready to be instructed and willing to listen. I want to learn morea about computer and cant twait to do so.
ReplyDeleteMy goal is always to be a helpful and self-starting student. My parents raised me to be that way. I have had some past experience with computers, as it was offered my senior year of high school. I am sure I will learn even more information in this class.
ReplyDeleteWell then. I think that is completely fair and well said. I hope to be an asset to the class as well as to you. First time in college although I am excited!
ReplyDeleteWell said. Now that I am a little bit older I understand the importance of an education. I'm really excited to learn more about computers.
ReplyDeleteI am going to be ontime and ready to learn. I am semi ok will computers but there is alot that I do not know so I am looking forward to becoming more aware of the wonderful world of computers. I know there where be days that I will be grumpy and tired but will try to check it at the door and paste a smile on my face and roll up my sleeves and just get right down to learning.
ReplyDeleteLaura Cornelius
My name is Jesse Padgett, I attend a CIS 101 class at the Branson campus and I hope to be a well learned and proficient student in computers after this course is completed.
ReplyDeletei hope to get better connected with computer software
ReplyDeleteI, Jessica Cardenzana, plan to be the best student I can be. I plan to do all my homework and to show up to every class no matter how hard it might be for me to get out of bed some days.
ReplyDeleteI Nicole Moses, certainly agree with setting strict limitations on accepting excuses from students on late work. Not only to protect the integrity of the course, but also to protect yourself from being taken advantage of.
ReplyDeleteI know that you will have at least one perfect student! That's if you don"t mind my typing style is hunt and peck and I can't spell. I will be there bright eyed and bushy tailed except I have a beer making club meeting the night before our first class and we are judging our home brew but I should be fine.
ReplyDeleteSo much for your one perfect student. see you tomorrow
Johnnie Sisco
My name is Matthew Fadness, and I plan on being a mediocre to sub par student. I will probably only attend every other class and won't have any homework done. obviously I am kidding. I am very excited about this course and will learn alot. I am a going to be juggling full time work, with family and school, but Lord willing I will succeed. I hope I did this homework correctly but I am sure you will let me know
ReplyDeletemy name is Elishah Watson and I plan to be a very teachable student not afraid to ask questions if Im uncertain and always eager to learn more and how to do things better! I will do all my homework and turn everything in on time.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Heather Christy. I love learning and I love working on the computer. I'm a quick learner and I hope to learn as much as I possibly can in this class.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Thomas Miller. I would like to be proficent with Office and go further with advanced features.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Ryan Lear. This semester I plan on completing all the work and finishing with an A. I took this class at MSU, and dropped out back in 2009. I do not want to do this again. Learning these programs will help me with some contract labor I'm doing in the near future.
ReplyDeleteThis is Joe Kimbrell and i will be a great student always in class and efficient with class assignments...
ReplyDeleteMy name is Amber Brice. I will be the best student I can be. I plan to listen, pay attention, do my homework and attend class on time. I'm new to otc and excited to learn new things!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Candace Walker and I have been looking forward to getting back to school for a long time. I am committed to paying attention, finishing my homework on time, attending all the classes, and learning as much as I can to have the skills needed in the real world.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Diane Wynn , I really hope to learn more about computers by taking this class. I also plan on doing all my work and not leaving it until the last minute.
ReplyDeleteI am with Diane on this one. No procrastination. Get in elbow deep or don't get in at all. Look forwarding to building my computer knowledge in class and learning from others. Go Longhorns! Ha
ReplyDeleteCody Rook CIS 101 401
My name is Carla Hernandez and I hope to be as eager about learning as described in your blog! I hope to live up to the potential I know I have; I hope to do the best I can in all my assignments, in every class.
ReplyDeleteHi Mrs.Bird my name is Jake Cowin. I have been waiting a couple of years to start my cis degree and im eager to learn alot of new skills to put to the test in the real world.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Bethany Dillon. This is my last semester so i can see the finish line in my scope....Needless to say Im going to be putting in every bit of the effort I have toward all of my classes...that may be hard at times because I have 5 classes along with 230 lab hours....But im determined and ready to end this semester in a positive way.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Janie Teaster and I want to be the kind of student that gets what your talking about all the time but I dont know if that will work. But I am willing to listen and try.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Sandra Lannie, I will strive to do my very best in your computer class no matter how hard you push, pull, drag, or tie me to the chair. Just kidding!!! Seriously, I'm really looking forward to the challenge that this class will offer me, and Im excited to learn more about my computer, and the software.
ReplyDeletemy name is Kaci Skains. i will be a good listener, do my best on assignments, and i hope to learn more about using a computer.
ReplyDeleteMy name is John Sherman and I plan on being a student who actively listens and completes my work on time.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Brandee Turney and I plan to be a student who completes all coursework with no fuss. I am excited to learn more about how to use computer applications!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Johnny Lee. This semester I plan to apply myself to my full potential. I am going to complete assignments on time and have fun learning computer applications.
ReplyDeleteHahahahahahaha I never thought I would see the day when I actually had your class. This is going to be great! I'll make sure to bring those plastic throwing balls for a entertaining conversation!
ReplyDeletei plan on being an awesome and epic student. i will turn all my work in on time and amaze the teacher and other students - chad wamsley
ReplyDeleteHi! My name is brandy boyd and I am definately going to be the best perfect student that i can be. Im living in the fantasy too, that I will get me a full nights sleep even though my baby has kept me up all night and I will report to my classes alive and energetic. But my reality is that my baby will definately keep me up all night, well because hes a baby, and i wont get a full nights sleep but regardless I will always be ready to learn something new because the more knowledge I have the more I am able to pass down to my son.
ReplyDeleteHello, I can't wait to get started in computers, i will always be paying attention. I am fascinated with technology. I will be the best student i can be! I'm very eager to learn all about computer apps and e-business. This was a very great read and well said-Michael Slifer
ReplyDeleteCrista Hermann here, I'm a first time student and getting back into school feels a bit scary. But this idea of learning and teaching takes the edge off a bit! I've dabbled a bit with these computer programs but have alot to learn!
ReplyDeleteHello, my name is Shani Gomez. I'm excited to learn more about computer applications and plan on being the best student I can be in your class. This class will also help me excel in my job.
ReplyDeleteWell said Mrs. Bird. The line that stood out the most to me was, "When life happens and an assignment is left undone, the student will never offer excuses, but accept the consequences with grace and style and continue right where they left off." Enjoyed your story. Tracy Branagh
ReplyDeleteI would like to learn more about each feature that a computer has to offer. Jordan Shrope
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jessica Tucker. I want to be a student that has perfect attendance and finishes assignments at the first opportunity instead of the last minute.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Erik Taylor. The kind of student I want to be is one that passes. Society, for the most part, deems the act of going to college as "the right thing to do". You aren't put in as high of regard if you haven't had some form of formal, post high school, education. There are subjects that particularly interest me, but I don't see myself needing a degree to do with my life what I wish. I see school as more of another one of life's hoops that you have to jump through. Having said that, no matter my attitude pertaining to a certain class or subject, I give an honest effort; you can always expect my best.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI hope to learn all the features of the computer. I have had this class in highschool so I hope it will be just as helpful.
ReplyDeleteElle Dingman
I Nicole Moses, plan on being the kind of student who holds herself responsible for her level of success in college and this class. "Life happens" to us all, but it is our responsibility to work around life and reach our goals.
ReplyDeleteIm Samatha Large, I plan on working very hard and trying my best.. Computer Class has never been a good subject for me but i plan on coming into class with a postive attitude! :)
ReplyDeleteJill Sisco
ReplyDeleteI would love to have no distractions in my life. Just focus on school, know when I get there in the morning that I have got that shit down and I can handle anything that's thrown at me. But the reality of life, mine & anyone’s is that we all have turmoil in one form or another. Personally I like the bumps in the road, so when I'm dragging myself into class or smiling because of that guy that's stolen my concentration and my heart momentarily just know that somewhere in there I am the perfect student, and you never know. Someday it might just come out.
Blane Gunter
ReplyDeleteI plan on being the student that uses my prior knowledge of computers and that retains every bit of information that is taught and that will be reflected through my work.
I plan on being the kind of student who shows up regularly ready and willing to learn.
ReplyDeleteWhat Mrs. Bird writes is so true. I'm going to do my absolute best to be the perfect student so I can learn all I can from her class.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been in school for a long time...WOW..things have changed, but I'm willing to be the best student that I can be and learn as much as possible while I'm here.
ReplyDeleteWhat you send out into the world always comes back to you in some form or another. It's called the universal law of restoration. I've been around the block a few times, but I've always tried to conduct my life with a positive attitude fused with dignity, respect and cheerfulness. If I don't receive the same in return, I remember that virtue is its own reward. Take Care, Sylvia Spicer Ward
ReplyDeleteI plan to be a committed student who will give it my all from the first class to the last class!
ReplyDeleteI plan to be a student who always pays attention in class, always does the reading and homework, and who always does her best.
ReplyDeleteI want to become the best student I can be for my teacher. I am driven and like to get things in on time.
ReplyDeleteHappy to be in your class. James Bolger
ReplyDeleteIs anything really ever perfect? I am slow to figuring this all out but I truly hope to be the best student I can be. I am excited to learn, because I feel I know so little. It will be tough but I look forward to it and promise to work hard in this class and take time to study and really learn skills that will last a lifetime.
ReplyDelete