Patrick Garrahy

I think theatrical is an apt way to describe it. I learned the technique in a staff training many years ago. The speaker's name was Michael Brandwein. He came from a children's PBS programming background and has developed techniques for all age groups. I've since participated in multiple training events with Mike as the speaker. He's been an excellent resource for me personally. I do think a bit of it comes down to acting. Take an actor like Jack Nicholson, for example. Next time you watch a Jack Nicholson film, pay attention to his face. His face is always moving.… >>>

I've been teaching for ten years, and I've picked-up a few tricks. The animated presentation of "moving your face" along with dramatic use of voice really works in my classroom. As I speak to a class, I interact, I ask questions, and I deliver compact bursts of information when I know I have students attention. I usually relate a story, a historical fact, or some odd aspect of knowledge which can be tied to the subject material. In many ways this method could be described as acting much like an animated storyteller. I find story elements act as a mnemonic… >>>

One of the most successful "tools" I've used to keep students focused on PowerPoint presentations is rather abstract. I'll randomly insert images not relating to the subject material. The effect is similar to having the wrong slide in place. For example, I might have a dry history lecture interrupted by a photo of a llama. When the slide airs, I might yell, "LLAMA!" Although it get's a bit off subject for the moment, I've found students stay awake and pay attention. Students look forward to the little comedic breaks and tend to hyper-anticipate when they might arrive. In the end,… >>>

Just recently I've embraced the practice of doing things wrong on purpose. I will walk the student through a hands-on instruction and show them the wrong way based on common mistakes students or I have made in the past. Then I stop, and usually say, "Oops." I ask them why I failed. Discuss solutions and demonstrate problem solving in order to find the best way to achieve a goal. I've found this technique brings a bit of humor to the class. It definitely teaches them problem-solving skills. As an added benefit, when i do make new mistakes, my students don't… >>>