Stephen Chavez

I do find it valuable for classes that include Gen Y and Z students to make sure to compliment them as I correct them.  In past years I would say for example, This dish needs more salt. But now I would say I like the look of this dish however it could use a bit more flavor by adding salt , but you cooked it very well.  It is correction surrounded by compliment so that they feel their sense of validation.

One of the downfalls of technology is that as an instructor, we can become reliant on the successful operating of our own technology in the classroom.  I can not tell you how many times my ability to teach has been hampered because the computer will not connect, or the WiFi is not working, or the system is down.  Although teaching with technology is a benefit, we are really at the mercy of it operating successfully or else.

The ability to use technology in the classroom became a game changer, and made a big difference in teaching over the generations.  Fortunately, modern schools see the need for technology, and are built to adapt to modern learning styles and technology.

It is incredibly beneficial to understand the basic characteristics of each generation when teaching a various group of students.  It means that you may have to use various teaching styles within the same group of people.  It is difficult enough to teach one group at a time, but when teaching at a trade school the juggling of multiple groups at one time, the struggle is real.

I think what I'm understanding in this module is the priority need to listen to your students.  Often times we get caught up in lecture and the giving of information without stopping to ask questions of the students as to how the information impacts them, or have them give an example of a time they did this, or experienced that.  Allowing them space to have input keeps them engaged and more active in the learning process.

Sometimes it is difficult for ESL students to comprehend the material in a group situation, but with a little patience and some 1 on 1 after lecture time, I find that they can comprehend the material better.  It also helps to have a supportivr group of classmates who will help that person to understand. So I guess if you can help foster a culture in the class where everyone is supportivethen that can make all teh difference

Because our culinary school is a destination school located on either coast, the student population is very diverse.  My current class mix includes a white male from Georgia, a female African American from Brooklyn, an Asian male from Seattle, and female students from Australia and Japan. It is one of the most culturally, ethnically, and socially complex groups I have ever had in 15 years of teaching. All of this material applies completely and totally to my current class situation.

I find the biggest challenge I currently face in the classroom is the understanding and application of new gender normals.  For years we have lways shouted "Let's go guys" to a group of students regardless of the gender mix of the classroom.  Nowadays that simple statement "Gyys" can be a cause of problems because of it's specific gender identity term, and is something that we should all get away from.

E-learning and creating online portfolios for assesments is a great idea.  With the current Instagram culture, everyone is taking pictures of their products.  Creating e-portfolios to be submitted is a great and innovative way to use technology in grading and eveluation of performance.

Cooperative learning in the culinary world has always been necessary due to shared tasting of foods and perfecting recipes.  The new challenge is to find ways to add that shared learning experience with basic knowledge activities such as conversions, sanitation, and daily recipe and ingredient learning