Robert Gamache

Robert Gamache

Location: tampa, fl

About me

As a trainer and educator of over 25 years, my passion is motivating students to reach their full potential.  I am passionate about lifelong learning and continuing professional development.

My experience is in a variety of fields, including corporate HR training and development, college/university teaching, and working with senior military leaders.

My educational degrees are in English (BA, MA) and in HR (MS in Human Resource Management Development).  I enjoy physical activity, jazz music, rural life and positive family and friends.

 

Interests

jazz, exercise, reading, writing

Skills

coaching, writing, mentoring

Activity

Would you have an example or two of what you would consider are good faculty mission statements?

While I generally agree, keep in mind that not all students respond in the same way.  When teaching students (particularly adults), some do prefer listening and some want hands-on activities.  I like to "mix-it-up" and provide a number of ways for students to learn.  In this manner, students will also be expose to alternative ways to receive information. 

Discussion Comment

I greet each one of my college students by their first name as they arrive; many seem surprised by this attention!

I also note any current events that are course-related and may be of interest to them, and ask them to comment.  I encourage and support their responses as appropriate. 

Basically, try to pay attention to them and include them in appropriate discussions when possible. 

 

 

Active listening is so critical when mentoring and coaching others, and is often the first thing to go when things get desperate!  However, it is so powerful that it usually makes encouraging people easier and more effective. 

I can't imagine NOT wandering around my classroom..I like to be part of the process of learning, and not the one on the outside!

Don't forget that in order to attract today's students that the educational environment must be up-to-date, dynamic instructors who are supported by appropriate technology to drive our educational efforts.  We cannot always point our fingers at others for our difficulties.

Yes; rather than see technology as a barrier to learning, we should look to incorporate them into education; since students are so comfortable with them, this is an opportunity to re-educate them on how to use them for educational and development purposes.  Having access to vasts amounts of resources is wonderful, but if students use them only for leisure or entertainment purposes, they lose out on their full potential.

Although your method of address the entire class is certainly the most efficient from an instructor's viewpoint, it may not fully address the individual needs and diversity of your students.  While there is usually not enough time to address each post (nor should anyone usually), inserting a well-placed comment to emphasize a point or to redirect the conversation is extremely helpful to reinforcing your credibility with the group.  Certainly try not to "play favorites," and address a variety of students as warranted.

I wouldn't stay with an employer for too long if I was that frustrated.  Surely there are other online programs that you could apply to.  I suggest getting some insights from existing instructors prior to accepting an offer, though.

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