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.
The UPS truck made it up the driveway yesterday in spite of the storm… I suppose the driver thought it a bit odd that I proclaimed “my brains are here!” when he set the box down.
It was a fairly large box.
Dealing with test and quiz anxiety is typically a challenge for some adult learners. A few years ago I learned that using stress balls (sometimes called “squeezies”) can help restless children focus… the constant motion seems to release energy and allow the child to focus. So, I thought. “Why wouldn’t this work with adults taking quizzes and tests?”
My first experiment with the theory included a young man who was self-proclaimed “A.D.D.” and he actually broke the stress ball I provided. But he also got a pretty good grade and thought having it helped. So I ordered more–different ones that wouldn’t break.
These cubes proved popular–so much so that they’ve gradually disappeared and I’m down to three. Since it was time to order more, I decided to get a little creative this time… and I was quite pleased to find “squeezies” in the shape of brains. How much more appropriate could things be? Take a test–squeeze your brain! You might be surprised to discover what comes out!
Walter Boomsma (“Mr. Boomsma”) writes on a wide array of topics including personal development, teaching and learning. Course information is also available here!
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:
