Looking for Gold in the New Learning Frontier

Sun, 04/18/2010 - 06:10
marc

I was thumbing through the latest edition of ASTD’s Training and Development magazine recently and a report on a “new frontier” for learning professionals caught my eye. In essence it described this new frontier as being about “connecting, collaborating and learning in different ways” due to changing "technologies, learning styles, demographics and economic needs". Now this contention is nothing new. What is different is that is becoming part of the mainstream discourse regarding the effective management of the learning and development function.

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What Makes a Good Teacher?

Fri, 03/05/2010 - 04:29
marc

When Bill Gates announced recently that his foundation was investing millions in a project to improve teaching quality in the United States, he added an interesting backhander to the establishment. ‘‘Unfortunately, it seems the field doesn’t have a clear view of what characterizes good teaching,’’ Gates said. There is almost a fanatical obsession with testing in education without the same rigour invested in determining the right fit between learner and teacher.

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Motivating our Teachers in PD and Training

Wed, 02/10/2010 - 13:21
marc

Recently I was approached by Teacher Magazine to write an article around how to motivate teachers during Professional Development and Training. The full article “All Aboard: Reluctant passengers on the training journey” will appear in their March edition. Below are some thoughts on the topic:

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Wander with Purpose

Wed, 01/06/2010 - 12:58
marc
Often trainers move around their space without much thought of where to move and why. Rather than this restless wandering, we should wander with purpose. We should be somewhere because we choose it, not because we want to fill the space. We should move somewhere because it adds to the message, not because we don’t know where to stand. Position and poise should be used to build impact. It is part of our non-verbal arsenal which complements the vocals and helps to attract and maintain the attention of the group.  Some things to consider…

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    Fiddling and Doodling okay!

    Sun, 12/20/2009 - 17:53
    marc
    For decades students have been lambasted for fiddling and doodling in class. Often seen as a sign of distraction and inattention, these practices have been all but outlawed in traditional education circles. However, when used correctly, they can actually be very powerful learning tools. Some learners will need to keep something in motion throughout their interaction with the content and asking them to change is like asking them to stop breathing.

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    The Butterfly Effect

    Thu, 11/19/2009 - 12:17
    marc
    I was asked to say a few words at a closing ceremony of a training course recently and in my speech I provided some tips for giving successful presentations. I talked about the “Butterfly Effect”, (not to be confused with that film with Ashton Kutcher), where people get nervous in front of the group. In delivering the speech, I was reminded about a quote I once heard about not letting the butterflies in your stomach worry you. Rather, you just have to “get them flying in formation”!

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    Reviewing using Trainer Diary

    Mon, 10/26/2009 - 04:15
    marc

    I’ve talked before in our courses about the usefulness of learner diaries to track development and identify key milestones in knowledge acquisition. However, there are some great benefits in trainers using dairies as part of their own self-review. A trainer diary can help you to reflect on what happens in the classroom. It can act as a snap-shot in time, which reminds you of what you have done. It also provides a means of recording key behaviours and reactions of students as they happen.

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    Freeing your mind

    Sun, 04/19/2009 - 00:11
    marc
    As I come to the end of an Easter break with my family, I am reminded of the importance of getting away. Often we just live from moment to moment without stopping to just enjoy where we are and the company of those most special to us.

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