Kelly McCarthy

Comment on Randall Rosecrans's post: I bet with a little creativity, you could adjust some things. We have a fairly set format, but I do have some things I can alter and I run with it!!

I have taught this way for years, from my middle school science classes to elementary, to my current adult Electrical classes. I am a huge fan of alternative summative assessments, than a typical exam format. So many 'kids' are test shy. How about a comic strip, short essay, power point with bullet points AND images, skit with a group, diorama......the list goes on. Putting the learning in their hands, including the students choice of demonstrating to me how much they have retained, is my strongest  tool in empowering my students. 

Comment on Danielle Trueba's post: 

I also find that the admissions reps do not always understand the requirements for certification or licensing in ALL the programs they interview for, leaving students to begin with misconceptions.

Schools should have an aptitude test/ interest checklist to help define the appropriate trade(s) for students to select. I have had students come through who will clearly never make it in my trade. The most important thing is a level of required basic knowledge. I teach a math component and I have students who cannot do basic math, never mind the Algebra required as a minimum. Also being able to tell colors apart ( I teach electrical) is vital. 

I also have students who come in with know it all attitudes, treating the classes like they are a joke. The… >>>

Generally, in this area it sounds like adult learners do not differ much from middle school. I will simply employ the tactics in my toolbox already like circulating, moving closer to the disruptive students and employing whatever works with the center of attention grabbers. 

Comment on Shelley Freshman's post: I love Icebreakers as well. I also have the students make a tent out of an index card and keep it ono their desk for at least the first week. It helps me learn names and helps them learn each others names as well.