DAVID LACASSE

Discussion Comment

Having a past graduate return and address the class is a great motivational tool. They can listen to me all they want, but when they see and hear the success of one of their peers, it really gets them excited. They can see that if one of their peers can do it, so can they.

DAVID LACASSE

Discussion Comment

Re-directing to the focal point

Getting off-topic is easy. The students are following you down a path towards a group of objectives and an ultimate goal. Your mind needs to be split into several parts during the teaching process. One part on you, one on the group as a whole, and one rotating from student to student. Asking questions of individual students keeps them on their toes and allows for continual review. When you go off track a bit, re-focus the group with questions.

DAVID LACASSE

Discussion Comment

The first 5 minutes as if it were a job interview

Grab your students during the first 5 minutes of every class. Treat it as if it were a job interview or a broad-way play. Perception is key. We are visual interpreters of the immediate environment. Enthusiasm is contagious. Use some "show and tell" right out of the gate. Project yourself with your voice, attitude toward the subject matter, and visual stimuli.

DAVID LACASSE

Discussion Comment

Older students and fear of job placement

I frequently encounter a "fear of success" phenomenon with my older learners. I teach at a private trade school and the program I teach can place almost 90% of our graduates. We offer assistance with resumes and placement. With older students I have noticed some resistance to the idea of a resume and a job interview. They come from a time when a "handshake" was enough. With encouragement they will head-down this new world job seeking road, but many are hesitant and procrastinate to the point where they may miss some great job opportunities. Any ideas to help these students… >>>

DAVID LACASSE

Discussion Comment

technology and technical teaching

When using electronic curriculum and presentation it is wise to make certain all is in working order just prior to class start time. It may have worked fine the night before, but it may not work at all in the morning. Have a back-up plan if the electronic version goes down. Keep one set of all electronic material available on paper just in case. Be aware of varying levels of apprehension towards electronic curriculum with older students. Show enthusiasm and have their peers assist them to establish more group cohesion. If some prefer to take notes on paper, let them.… >>>

DAVID LACASSE

Discussion Comment

The five "P's"

Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance. How true this can be when applied to the classroom. It is not a perfect system. Educators are attempting to adjust to an ever-changing culture. Being able to quickly adapt while teaching has become essential. Having a solid plan, geared towards the success of your students and maintaining several back-up plans is part of our "bag of tricks". Essentially, we are building an airplane while we are flying it. Quite challenging! A good set of blueprints and proper tools make life so much easier as a teacher.