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.
