Steven Volkman

Steven Volkman

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As a new instructor years ago I tried to be just like my Mentor. Needless to say it didn't work. Even though he was an outstanding instructor, his style didn't fit my personality and it showed in the effectiveness of my product. It's great to observe other instructors and "steal" good ideas but you have to find out how to make it fit your style.
I feel the most important point of motivating an adult learner is to show them how they benefit by learning the subject material and how it is useful and practicial for their job and/or career. If you don't get that "buy in" it's hard to keep their interest. They feel like it's a waste of time.

I feel one of the most important thing you can do to build rapport with the students is to show them that you do not know it all and make mistakes. Being a technical Instructor I some times but out wrong information. When I do, I'll get the whole class together for a "Pow Wow". This gives me the opportinity to correct my mistake and shows them my human side as well. One other note from past experince. If you are sitting in another Instructor's class and he/she makes a mistake get with them on a break and talk about… >>>

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I've found as an Instructor that learning the students names is very important for retention. It makes involving the students in lectures much more effect and well as other benefits. The trick is finding a way that works for you. Some ways include: Making a seating chart with the students names at each postion, when taking roll look at each student as you say their names, make a game with the students and tell them to not tell you their name until you tried from memory. There are many other ways to do this but you need to find a… >>>

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If you spend the necessary time preparing the students will see that. They will give you more respect because they see you care about what you are putting out. They will be more interested because you are showing that you are.
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I find that if I spend alot of time do a good job planning, the teaching part is easy. I've learned as an Instructor if you don't put the sweat in the prep you will sweat teaching the class.

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