Hello to all
It's been a while since I last posted. I have been instructing for over a year now, have earned my CHEP cert. and still very much enjoy my new carrier.
My experience as a Machinist, has been invaluable, it has provided for me and my family, and I’ve been fortunate to have made components that have entertained, defended our country, and have advanced planetary exploration…in a small way.
Stan, you’re absolutely correct, there is quite a difference between being a machinist and being an instructor. As a machinist I used a tactile method of learning and showing others the processes involved with an operation. Instructing I had to learn how to verbally communicate what needs to be done for the operation. If a student didn’t grasp the concept, then I’d step in and show him/her the processes required.
I’ve also learned that most students come in to our school with little or no idea what a machinist is or what they do, but on occasion there is a few that have enrolled to advance their carriers. I’ve brought in my personal experiences and have physical examples of what can be done, and what to watch for…extra information beyond the syllabus. Hopefully by the end of my 6 weeks with them, they’ve learned basics of machining.
I also have to say that, I’m also learning just as much as the students….on a completely different subject, but every class that comes through, my presentation becomes smoother, I can tailor the delivery to a specific class depending on how the students react to the content. Use humorous stories from my past experience that are relevant to the subject, and the students seem to retain the information better if it’s a personal experience.
I’m fortunate to work with a very talented group of people that not only want the students to succeed, but also other instructors, I’ve never worked in such a supportive work environment.
And the most important….students will pick up on whether your being something you’re not real quick. No matter whom you pretend to be you’ll be judged anyway, so just be yourself.
Thank you all for your comments and suggestions, they have been very helpfull.
Duane F.