You may be making news, but is it news if nobody knows about it? This class will explore the basics of “getting the word out” through approaches that work for small businesses and non-profit organizations Participants will learn the how’s and why’s of getting a story in print or on television and take home samples of formats as well as a number of tip for maximizing their business or organization’s exposure in the press.
This course is coming up fast… runs Tuesday, April 10th at SeDoMoCha in Dover Foxcroft from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM. Call 564-6525 and reserve your spot!
No, I am not announcing retirement. That is what we call an “attention-getting headline.” Before you charge me with misrepresentation, understand that I’ve actually been “giving up teaching” for quite a few years now.
Ho Hum, we’re being taught.
When I substitute teach I introduce “Rule #2” into my classroom: “We will enjoy learning.” I convinced myself to follow this course because I do love to learn and, hope to instill that love in my young students. I believe learning should be as much fun as possible. When it’s not fun it should at least be rewarding. That’s no less true for adults.
A recent article in Harvard Review, Twilight of the Lecture, by Eric Mazur was very affirming. Mazur says he is “more interested in learning than teaching” and demonstrates with research that moving the focus away from the lectern to the “physical and imaginative activity of each student” is the key to improved learning. In practical terms,
The active-learning approach challenges lecturers to re-evaluate what they can accomplish during class that offers the greatest value for students. Mazur cites a quip to the effect that lectures are a way of transferring the instructor’s lecture notes to students’ notebooks without passing through the brains of either.
For anyone who teaches, this article is a “must-read.” I’ve witnessed this first hand when working with second graders through adult learners. Many second grade readers will stumble over a word and look at me with inquisitive eyes. My instincts are often to give them the answer, but I know that’s not very engaging. So we might “sound it out,” break it down, or consider the context. Sometimes we find a dictionary and look it up. They don’t always like it because it means work. But I think it also means learning and engagement.
Can’t you just tell me the answer?
Adults like this even less. Real estate pre-licensing courses require testing and passing grades. I introduce every course with this observation, requiring students to write it down at the beginning of their notebook:
If you study to remember you will forget. If you study to understand you will remember.
That sort of process doesn’t usually work very well when I’m lecturing–students are writing down and hoping they can remember what I say. The harsh reality is that I’m doing all the work and hoping they are “with me.” It seems a bit odd that we are both hoping it will work. Hope is a wonderful thing, but effort tends to get more results.
Interactive learning is more work for the teacher and the student. It’s also not traditional, especially with adults. Teachers/lecturers like maintaining control of their classrooms. What we need to understand is that interactive learning does not translate to giving up control of the classroom–it simply requires a different set of skills and a higher level of engagement on the part of all involved. The ultimate classroom management takes place when we engage the learners’ mind as well as their pencils. Mazur says, “Active learners take new information and apply it, rather than just making note of it.”
No, I’m not retiring… and I’m actually not really giving up teaching. But I’m constantly doing it differently because I think teaching is really about learning.
Of course there is… or at least so a lot of people seem to think. Of course getting him or her “out” might be a bit of a challenge. And then, of course, there’s the question of whether or not he or she is a good writer. If you are one of those people who has aspirations of becoming a professional writer I have an essay you might enjoy:
The essay is from a blog published on The Chronicle of Higher Education — a bit of a newspaper and resource geared towards college level faculty and administration. It’s definitely a site worth poking around… I found an interesting tip suggesting that when you are proof reading your manuscripts you should change your work to an unfamiliar font. That makes so much sense on several levels. (You can change it back when finished.)
Speaking of writers… I’ve got one you should “meet.” His name is Jim Henry and he conquered illiteracy when he was in his mid-nineties. (He started by practicing signing his own name.) Then he hand wrote a book when he was 98. That book, In a Fisherman’s Language, is about to go into its third printing. Check out his site, blog and the “port to port” literacy program.
We’re right in the midst of “class season” with lots of opportunities to love to learn! Based on some input from students I’m in the process of making some changes and additions to this site–mostly around how courses are listed (the changes) and adding resources specific to courses. Brain Leaks is a work in progress!
You’ll notice a section in the sidebar at the right called “pages.” (These pages are also listed as tabs at the top.) The plan is to give each course its own page and on that page offer resources in the form of links. For example, I’ve already completed the “Got What It Takes?” Solopreneur course page. Those who’ve taken the course will find a link to the booklet I mentioned in class and some other sites that might prove helpful.
As a work in progress, I’m not sure I’ll ever be finished, but be advised I’m really just starting and, with my current course schedule, will be completing this in bits and pieces. Should you find any broken links or missing things, please let me know.
In the spirit of helping each other, if you find resources relative to a course you’ve taken, please send it so I can share it!
Do you get sweaty palms and shaky knees when called upon to speak in front of a group? This brief course doesn’t promise to turn you into a great orator, but it will help you get the butterflies in your stomach to fly in formation when you stand in front of a group by having what is called an “enlarged conversation.” Come prepared to participate and have a lot of fun! Bring your butterflies! Course runs two nights and is scheduled to start in two weeks on March 22nd… call P.V.A.E.C. at 564-6525 and reserve your spot today!
Really enjoyed this class. Made it twice as good having an instructor with a great sense of humor.
Walter Boomsma (“Mr. Boomsma”) writes on a wide array of topics including personal development, teaching and learning. Course information is also available here!
