Jeffrey Mayo Sr

 The classification system is a very useful guide for most instructors in improving the questioning and answering process, enhancing teaching, as well as learning, and the comprehension process, and guiding communications, as well as in performing assessments in particularly for the attending students.

Skill Application Tests

Skill application tests in an AMT (Aircraft Maintenance Technician) course are the practical and oral exams, which are administered after passing the written knowledge tests and are required for FAA certification. These tests gauge a student's ability to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world tasks, such as performing troubleshooting, repairs, and using technical manuals (TMs), tools, and equipment correctly. 

The purpose of the practical exams is to evaluate a candidate's practical skills and ability to perform hands-on maintenance tasks.

Examples of specific content of the practical exam are as follows:

·       Logbook… >>>

The Benefits of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the process of analyzing information without bias to form sound judgments and make informed decisions. It involves questioning expectations, evaluating evidence, and considering multiple perspectives to solve problems and avoid errors in reasoning. This skill is crucial for academic and professional success, as well as personal growth, and leads to better decision-making, problem-solving, and creativity.  

The Socratic Method is a teaching strategy that involves asking students open-ended questions in reference to the covered topic to encourage critical thinking and independent learning. The instructor performs as if not knowing the topic to encourage dialogue. This approach encourages and guides the students to new ideas and poses contradictions in their initial approach. The instructor then guides the student to new ideas and corrects any misconceptions and assumptions.

Learning styles are a combination of:

1.    Cognitive: Basically, how the mind processes information to include preferred methods of taking in information.

a.    Visual: Learning through charts, graphs, pictures, and other visual formats.

b.    Auditory: Learning through hearing and discussion.

c.    Kinesthetic: Learning through hands-on activities, movement, and direct experiences.

d.    Analytical vs. Global: Some learners prefer to learn in a logical, sequential manner, while others prefer to get the picture first.

2.    Emotional: Emotions and attitude greatly influence one’s learning process.

a.    Interest: Learning through curiosity and interests in a topic.

b.… >>>

To effectively reduce students’ attrition, an instructor needs to foster a sense of belonging in the students, provide academic support as needed, such as mentoring and tutoring, provide timely feedback and regular communication, touch base as soon as a student seems or is showing signs of struggling, and create opportunities for maximum engagement, as well as inclusiveness.

Students have several learning styles as proposed by Bergquist and Phillips (1975).

Some that are noted as inhibitors of students' participation:

1.Avoidant

2. Competitive

3. Dependent 

Some that are noted as more favorable to students' positive engagement:

1.    Collaborative

2.    Participant

3.    Independent

It is essential for online instruction to foster a learning environment that is structured to promote a learning experience that is:

• Enriched by tapping into professional development, the instructor's presence, and by utilizing a variety of teaching strategies.
• Meaningful by interjecting concepts of variable teaching methods, responsiveness to the students' needs, and a clear and concise structure.
• Dynamic engagement can be achieved by the incorporation of interactive tools, varied activities, and regular personalized feedback

Synchronous discussions vs. Asynchronous discussions.

Synchronous discussions:

Timing: Requires all students to be present at the same time.

Interaction: Provides live interaction and immediate feedback.

Examples include real-time question-and-answer sessions, live video conferences, and chat sessions.

Best for: This is ideal for time-sensitive projects, quick problem-solving, and building team rapport.

Pros: Foster strong connections, provide immediate clarity, and have a more natural feel, similar to any everyday conversation.

Asynchronous discussions:

Timing: Students participate at different times without the need to be online at the same time. 

Interaction: Interactions would involve more delayed responses, which have been brainstormed, providing more detailed… >>>