James Jackson

Location: chicago, il

About me

James is the Senior Associate at JAJ & Associates, Adjunct Faculty and eLearning Consultant at MaxKnowledge and member of the Board of Advisors of Dream Catchers Global. James was the Associate Provost of Faculty Development, President of the Online Division at Harrison College and the Director for the Center of Technology Resources for Indiana Business College. Because of his extensive background in technology and his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for assisting aspiring business owners, James has provided his leadership/project management skills in many start-up operations mentoring dozens of young leaders over his career. All providing great growth opportunities for his stakeholders.

James has developed more than 50 courses and dozens of programs in the areas of technology, business, progress management and general education. James has been an instructor for more than 15 years during which time he provided training to over 500 trainers and more than 5000 students. His academic background includes a Masters of Education in Occupational Training and Development and is currently working on his doctoral dissertation in Higher Education Administration emphasis on Strategic Enrollment Management. James enjoys working with students and assisting them through complex concepts which he is able to turn into easy to understand and usable skills.

A full profile of my professional career is available on LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesajacksonjr

Connect with me on LinkedIn and here in the Lounge.

Interests

my family, golf, tennis, swimming, and participating in youth sports.

Skills

faculty development, elearning, program and curriculum development, project management, business analysis and technology integration

Activity

James Jackson

Blog

Student Engagement is Key to Success!

The Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) delivers an important message about engagement and the importance of instructors getting out from the front of the classroom and becomming more part of the classroom. Getting students to actively participate in class, interact with their peers and instructor, and extending learning outside of the classroom are all key components to achieving the desired learning outcomes of a well thought out lesson plan.

I highly recommend everyone take a look at this facinating research. I have provided a citation with URL for those interested in learning more.

McClenney, K., Marti, C. N.,… >>>

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Classroom Discipline

Leigh, first let me say such behavior should never be tolerated and the other students should never be exposed to such behavior. That said, we live in a time where mental health and awareness has become part of our daily lives as instructors. Some students act out improperly as such behavior is what they experience at home, they may not have role models to let them know such behavior is not appropriate. Handle each situation as its own, know each of your students and their personalities and always look out for the best interests of your students in your classroom… >>>

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Classroom Discipline

Shannon, well stated and setting the stage early has proven results. Students should never be surprised by the consequences of their actions. By discussing your classroom and institutional policies and the consequences associated with violating them you take care of so many potential issues up front. You also are preparing students for their career fields as they will need to understand how to follow rules to first get a job and then to keep it. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Classroom Discipline

Deanna, excellent comment. No two students are alike and one size seldom fits all. Instructors that take the short cuts and attempt to focus on a single methodology do not last long or tend to be miserable always swimming against the current. By taking some time and getting to know your students you can better meet their needs and better achieve the desired learning outcomes of your lesson plan. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Classroom Discipline

Alan, good guide knows when to lead softly and when to lead loudly. Both are required at time but always with tact, respect and understanding. Students should always know you care but also know you mean business. The balance can be difficult but following up with explanations that get into the details of how time is critical and wasted time is time away from their learning of the class materials often drills home the importance of your course policies and the reasons for your actions. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Classroom Discipline

Andrew, excellent job and setting the stage early has been proven to be the best approach. You may also want to consider discussing disciplinary actions as well as your class policies. When students understand the consequences of their actions early they tend to be less disruptive or at least not be surprised with your implement the consequences you have already discussed. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Classroom Discipline

David, excellent point. Being adult is not chronological in nature. As an instructor you are just as likely to encounter 35 year old adolescents as you are 25 year old adults. What is important is to have dialog with your students, get to know them and where they are on the maturity scale. Those that are less mature may require more of your time and some tough love when it comes to guiding them to a higher level of understanding of themselves and what will be expected of them in their career field. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Classroom Discipline

Tamatha, I totally agree. Best to be honest and have discussion and even discourse with students versus just hoping a situation will go away or ignoring it all together. The more you talk with your students the more you will understand their thinking patterns and their motivations. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

William, well stated and you are the model that all instructors need to follow. With respect to the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivators our focus here is to help students understand the differences. Many students are so focused on the Extrinsic in the form of salary and benefits they overlook the importance of finding something that they can do that will bring them happiness and fulfillment, the intrinsic. If you are truly happy in your job then the rewards will eventually follow. If you work just for the paycheck then you may find yourself looking for work more than… >>>

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Self-Doubt

RAJINI, what conversations do you have with individual students to get the other 15% to 20% feeling more comfortable? Thanks for anything you can share. James Jackson

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