How not to give a class
The first time I videotaped myself as an instructor was at the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Okinawa. Watching the recording later I cringed. A lot. Continue reading
Student Feedback: Make it work for you
How the Marines do it
The Marine Corps known distance rifle qualification course has worked well for many years partly because the Marines get timely, relevant, necessary & accurate feedback on their shots. The Marines use this feedback to improve their performance as they practice and during their final day of shooting. The process is very effective.
Hold that thought…
Ask the Right Questions
What are the “right” questions?
Ask yourself this: do the potential answers to this question provide any value?
What’s so Great About Working Together?
Improve the paradigm
I get funny looks when I tell students I’m going to have them work together. I don’t know what expectations that creates in their minds, but I’m anticipating students enriching the learning environment by sharing ideas and engaging with their peers.
Teach with a Purpose So Your Audience Wins!
Wake-up call
“You’re boring!”
That was the unsolicited review I received immediately after finishing a class as an instructor during the early stages of a training program I worked on. Big confidence builder, right? Yet even though that comment stung, it prompted me to invest some time in reflecting on the overall instruction. I took that comment on board and thought hard about it. Was the curriculum designed around truly helping the audience? Was my contribution helping to foster a positive & effective learning experience?
Were we delivering value to the customer or just regurgitating information? hmmm…
