Marvin Phillips

The concepts in REFOCUS are spot on for judging the effectiveness of the class and the instructor. I enjoyed the Learnativity terminology as it really puts the concepts of the learning into the practice of mastering a task. Most of all it is the enthusiasm and energy that the instructor is able to build with the class, it is like a team sport. The seasons can feel long, and adjustments are required to keep up the energy levels and the enthusiasm. 

My main take away was to have some fun and show enthusiasm for the subject. As the instructor you set the tone for the class and starting with a little light-hearted joke or talking about a little-known holiday is a good ice breaker and helps build a rapport with the students. Of course, the most important part is taking the time to show the respect of getting to know the students, that they matter to you and that you want them to succeed. 

My takeaway from this lesson was to be mindful of the student's path to my classroom. Everyone is on a journey and there will be challenges that they face from outside influences that will impact their ability to fully engage. Adult learners carry so many responsibilities and taking on a new role as a student can be stressful.  I plan to be empathetic and provide a classroom environment that brings value, stability, and provides a structure where all can feel valued and appreciated, no matter if they are a more experienced learner or just out of high school. The goal… >>>