Michael Knight

For my students one of the biggest distraction risks comes with allowing students to use cell phones or even laptops with wireless capability in the classroom. Some instructors fear that incorporating these devices into a lesson will allow the students to be texting, surfing,but it has many other uses in class like research and to look up images of topics being discussed.

Consistency is the key of any good restaurant. Customers expect the same dish every time no matter how long it has been since they last had it. It is also not possible for the Chef, to cook each menu item every single day. Because that work must be done by someone else and because the reputation of the establishment rides on the work of prep cooks, line cooks and Sous Chefs, it is critical to introduce and use standardized recipes.

Allowing students to work in pairs has really helped the learning outcomes of my students. Some groups work better together than others but switching up the groups helps others to see how to work out problems. Having a schedule of the group rotation really helps and gets people excited to work with other indivuals.

Career college students are relevancy-oriented.Students time is very valuable and if they feel that you are wasting their time they will loose trust in the course and the instructor. They must see a reason for learning something. Learning has to be applicable to their work or other responsibilities to be of value to them. I incorporate a Powerpoint project in which the students tell about their favorite career in the foodservice industry.

Part of my daily instruction involves critiques of food. People react differently to critical remarks about their cooking. It can be taken quite personally if not delivered in the proper manner. I always make sure the feedback is future-focused: Pick issues that can be reworked in the future. For example, feedback might be used to help a student make better choices for flavors or plate presentation.

Tackling complicated issues requires that we break it down into manageable parts. I love the saying we dont eat an elephant in one bite. Breaking issues up makes it seem like a problem that can be solved.

Students should not have to spend valuable class time trying to figure out what will be covered in class. Put an outline on the board of the days topics. Letting the students know what to expect can relax them and take away anxiety.

Coaching requires a team effort and also requires a positive, supportive bond between coach and employees. People must feel part of the team to be coached.

I engage a few students to help me prepare for my demonstration the following day. This helps me be prepared and gets the students interested in tomorrows work. After a few days of this I will have students volunteering at the beginning of class to help out.

To manage a class effectively an instructor needs to have a wide variety of learning activities and real life expierences to offer to keep the interest and focus of students.