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How RCTS Is Changing the Way Education is Done
By Teri Trask

Thank you, thank you and thank you! This thank you is not just from me, but from my current students and those I will have in the future. I could not help but smile as I looked back at the course description and read, "Research-based Creative Teaching Strategies is a uniquely active and exciting learning-centered approach that unlocks the innate talents of teachers, turns the focus from instructor-led teaching to participant-centered interaction, and inspires participants to adapt, adopt and apply what they learn." This was NOT one of those over promise/under deliver situations, as it not only met, but exceeded my expectations each session.

 

I honestly thought adult education was "my thing" and believed on a 1-10 scale that I fell in the "above average" range. I now realize that I was a pretty solid example of "edutainment" in action.

 

I knew I would enjoy the RCTS course, but truly did not expect to learn as much as I did! If I were to complete a before/after grid, it would not fit on one page. The major change is an overall shift in the way I view my role and what I now see as my responsibilities as a facilitator. My first thought is no longer "What will be the most fun?" but rather "How can I structure this learning opportunity so the participants walk away with a true understanding of the content and not just the memory of a what they would refer to as a 'good class'?"

 

The most significant change for me has been the conscious planning that our materials refer to as "Preparation by Design, not Default." I have made several adjustments each time [I offer a training] based on the needs of my audience and content. Please note I said THEIR needs versus MINE with a FOCUS on the CONTENT versus the PRESENTER!

 

Part of my future plan includes recruiting every educator I know to take this class!

 

Teri was a participant of the RCTS class offered through Area Education Agency 267 which concluded in Marc, 2010. Teri works for the Waterloo Community School District as a Professional Development Coordinator. Teri also offers training through her own company, T2 Training.
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