I need your expertise!

[Pencil]

HI,

I enjoy reading your answers. You all have great ideas. Here is a situation:

There's a colleague who "knows" a lot about photocopy machines. This is the second time that this happens. When I'm at the photocopy machine, this young teacher follows behind shortly after an waits a bit for her turn. She has the time to correct my work with imperative form sentences...like "You're wasting paper, so you should do this..." The tone is not brutal, but direct like a teacher talks to her/his student. I feel like she is scolding me. The first time, she permitted herself to teach me how to use the photocopy machine properly and the second time, she reminded me of my "lesson" and corrected more of my wrong doings...nothing positive except that the machine should be in English. The machine has instructions in another language, so I rely on the icons for understanding. Sometimes, it's not clear enough for me. If it were in English, it would help a lot. Now, feeling scolded touches my mental health. How do I avoid being "taught" another lesson every time I have difficulty with the machine?

My strategy is this:

I talked with other colleagues who I feel good with and asked them for help when the photocopy machine flashes a red light. I decided to call upon their help when the light flashes, so that the colleague who monitors my photocopying doesn't come my way and scold me again and make me feel like I'm stupid. I don't have it easy with machines and I've told this to the staff. They've offered to help me, but I feel more comfortable choosing my soul mate rather than being someone's student. I even thought of trying to read the icons properly and having my soul mate watch me, so that I don't break anything.

Do you have a better strategy for me? How can I be more effective in this given situation?

Thanks,

Pencil

[herdgrad]

wow...I will have to think about this one. More than likely this person tries to "teach" everyone. If it were me personally, I think if I had a question I would do what you did and ask another collegue. If this person started making comments just smile and say thanks, but then take it with a grain of salt and laugh about it. It can almost be your personal joke. :laugh:

[Boxcar]

This teacher may just want to help. I can relate to that. I really enjoy working with computers and know a bit about technology. I love sharing this with others. Of course, I wait for someone to ask for assistance and use sentances like "Why don't you try this?" or "This has worked for me before." Still, I can see how she might slip into her teacher role with you as the student.

Personally, I feel this is one situation that calls for you to be honest. Tell her that you feel she is scolding you like a student. Acknowledge that she wants to help but gently explain that you prefer a different approach.

I think that it is so easy for teachers to start teaching outside of the classroom. It is an unconscious act and not meant to offend. Some of us can benefit from the subtle approach while other - myself included - need someone to be direct about it.

[herdgrad]

Good point boxcar.....this could be the explanation.

[hweber]

Nice post Boxcar. You are so right, it is easy to fall into the 'teacher mode'. I think that it would be good to just talk to the other teacher. Maybe she just doesn't realize what she is doing.

[Pencil]

Hi,

I decided to change the time at which I make my copies. That way, there isn't any "political" interference. There are other colleagues who are more gentle toward me when I'm struggling with the photocopy machine. I will avoid problems altogether by either trying to be alone with the machine and trying to fix the problem myself or I'll ask for help right away when the light flashes "red". I will not confront that person unless I really have to. I can do the copies at another time with other people around or no one at all. Confrontation is needed I feel if there is no other alternative! I'm avoiding unnecessary discussion and trying to keep "political" peace with my colleagues!

Thanks,
Pencil

[hweber]

Nice solution Pencil. I hope it helps.

[wilkette]

Personally, I feel this is one situation that calls for you to be honest. Tell her that you feel she is scolding you like a student. Acknowledge that she wants to help but gently explain that you prefer a different approach.

This. I'm sure the teacher isn't trying to be demeaning and more than likely has no idea she is being perceived as such. Teachers just have a knack for... well... teaching. :laugh: It isn't easy, but I think honesty is the best policy.

Also, I'm fairly certain you can change the language on the machine. I worked at a UPS Store in college and there was a language setting that could be adjusted. Provided you are in an English-speaking school, I'm sure it would make everyone's life easier.