Alexander Skorheim

Discussion Comment

Young adult students, as are found at vocational schools, Gen Y if you will, seem to be buddied up already. But they may not have buddied up with the most helpful buddy. Students missing the first day or strudents more at risk of failure may benifit more from being grouped with more successful "coaches". It's OK to influence the formation of lab or project groups.

Alexander Skorheim

Discussion Comment

Class Picture

There are always a few students who do not like thier pictures taken, they hide or have to do something goofy during the picture. Take a quite a few so you can find a good one. I used to take a class picture after the first week of class. Many students did liked it. I would make a few copies on our black and white printer on plain paper and pass them out. What is harder is taking individual pictures. I won't try that one again! Some students flat refused to have thier picture taken. Most students liked a class… >>>

Alexander Skorheim

Discussion Comment

Class picture

There are always a few students who do not like thier pictures taken, they hide or have to do something goofy during the picture. I used to take a class picture after the first week of class. Many students did liked it. I would make a few copies on our black and white printer on plain paper and pass them out. What is harder is taking individual pictures. I won't try that one again! Some students flat refused to have thier picture taken. Most students liked a class picture but I dropped the practice because of the objection of a… >>>

Alexander Skorheim

Discussion Comment

Maybe I'm Wrong

At UTI the students are very inter-connected; they seem to have heard about each aspect of the program. Some of this "insider knowledge" may be wrong and giving the prospective student a poor start. A creditable and comprehensive orientation can correct students erroneous assumptions. Make it real. Make it right.

Alexander Skorheim

Discussion Comment

Is that what its like?

Is that what it's like or is that what you say it is like? The first day is intimidating. Some of the fears of the new student are unfounded but some of them are true. I believe a good orientation should include seeing what the actual class are like and how the subject matter will be presented.

Alexander Skorheim

Discussion Comment

Just like me

At UTI the student is attending for a new career. He wants to be "just like me"; a career professional that has done the job that he wants for XX years. Remember that your subject matter expertise is in the profession that you are teaching. We are selling the life and the career we have had. We shouldn't have the attitude of "the worst day of teaching at UTI is better than the best day in the field". Don't be hypocritical.

Alexander Skorheim

Discussion Comment

Just like me

At a vocational school the student is attending for a new career. He wants to be "just like me"; a career professional that has done the job that he wants for XX years. Remember that your subject matter expertise is in the profession that you are teaching.

Alexander Skorheim

Discussion Comment

What to do when the computers go down.

We have grown a reliance on computers, power point, e-mail, printing and even music. But when the power cord comes undone what ya gonna do? I've been there and it's refreshing to get back to the blackboard. Just act like you planed it all along. They have books and you have mastery of the subject. Make a little plan for such a contingency. Or, of course, GO TO LAB.