You say “Get techy. No buts.” Your list of 10 “no buts” is fantastic. No matter where you are, no matter what you do for a career, that list is priceless. If anyone wants to succeed at what they are doing, apply that list!

I’m printing that list for regular reference.

Thanks.

Jim

Not sure on this one. I guess keep up with your tech skills at home so they’re there when you need them in the future. The more you know and can do, the more you have to suggest sites and resources to your students. Even if they don’t have computer access at college, they’re likely to at home. You could encoursge students to collaborate online as homework, or get them to check out sites at home and come to class prepared to give feedback / make presentations etc.

Hope this helps?!?!?

I really do like your positive thinking and the way you go about giving constructive answers to the questions that have come to mind over the years, Sean. Your head reflects millions of other teaching heads so this makes it brilliantly useful advice!

One thing that rang a bell when reading this is that we as teachers or trainers tend to be so focussed on breaking down our learners’ and trainees’ affective filters that we forget about our own, don’t we?

I must admit, I’ve heard teachers (and non) using all of the ‘buts’ you list. It’s a list of problems that nobody seems to have a list of answers to (until now!!!) Is challenge such a bad thing? Stepping into the relatively unknown? The excitement always provokes a thumping heart, sweating, twitching, tension….

So, are we teachers human or not? We know we are. That’s why we avoid feeling uncomfortable. But, do we always have to be (seem) calm and collected in front of others? You know, students might sometimes (quite often actually) forget that we are really made of skin and bone with feelings just like them. But that’s another story……

You’re a wonderful, talented guy!

Thanks for this!

I really do like your positive thinking and the way you go about giving constructive answers to the questions that have come to mind over the years, Sean. Your head reflects millions of other teaching heads so this makes it brilliantly useful advice!

One thing that rang a bell when reading this is that we as teachers or trainers tend to be so focussed on breaking down our learners’ and trainees’ affective filters that we forget about our own, don’t we?

I must admit, I’ve heard teachers (and non) using all of the ‘buts’ you list. It’s a list of problems that nobody seems to have a list of answers to (until now!!!) Is challenge such a bad thing? Stepping into the relatively unknown? The excitement always provokes a thumping heart, sweating, twitching, tension….

So, are we teachers human or not? We know we are. That’s why we avoid feeling uncomfortable. But, do we always have to be (seem) calm and collected in front of others? You know, students might sometimes (quite often actually) forget that we are really made of skin and bone with feelings just like them.

You’re a wonderful, talented guy!

Thanks for this!

The other Marisa