About me

Working as an Education Manager for Universal Technical Institute at the motorcycle division in Phoenix, AZ I have seen firsthand the impact that education can have on people’s lives. My college level training started in community college and continued in Los Angles at LA Trade Technical College. Then after 20 years of working in the motorcycle industry I moved to Phoenix and began teaching at Motorcycle Mechanics Institute. Being able to relate life experience to students here has been very rewarding and I look forward to each day where my team and I change lives on a daily basis. What could be better than that?

Interests

hiking, food, motorcycle events

Skills

welding, machinist

Website

https://www.uticorp.com

Activity

Rich Palmer

Discussion Comment

"I'm done"

As your class progresses and inevitably starts to wind down you will have some students struggling to finish while others will be 'done'. This is especially true in our environment of hands on training where the pace of the students can vary dramatically. Always be sure to have a strategy for the 'I'm done' student so that they can remain engaged and continue learning. This can include special projects, helping those still working or the never ending job list. What ever method you use be sure not to slip into the mode of letting faster, more capable students just sit.

Rich Palmer

Blog Comment

Re: The importance of learning styles for educators

Working at a VoTech school we have a majority of 'hands on' learners. It is important to understand that there are still diffrent levels and mixtures of this style as well as some who do not fit the 'norm'. Identifiying these students and working with their learning styles is indeed very important.

Rich Palmer

Discussion Comment

15 minutes - GO!

The basic premise that you have 15 minutes to get the point across is a daunting task. Knowing this helps keep the lecture moving and prompts the lecturer to 'change gears' every quarter hour or risk loosing the audience.

Rich Palmer

Discussion Comment

Boy scout motto #1

Being prepared is always a good idea. It is the key to successful instruction. Taking into consideration the total environment is something most people do not consider especially as a less experienced teacher.

Rich Palmer

Discussion Comment

Growing as an instructor

Coming from a technical field and now teaching about that field is quite the change for me. Going over basic information like this is good as it breaks teaching down to basic pieces and allows you to better understand what is required to impart your knowledge to the learner.

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