How to Think on Your Feet in the Classroom

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How to Think on Your Feetin the Classroom

• Michael D. Ford CFPIM, CSCP, CQA, CRE, QI, EI

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Agenda

• Identify common challenges
• Tips, tools and techniques
• Role-play scenarios
• Methods of prevention
• Summary

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You know the drill

• If youre HIGHLY ENGAGING and PARTICIPATIVE, you
  get rewarded with Fords famous TRIPLE CARTWHEEL!

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I. Identify Common Challenges

• Audio-visual problems
• Disruptive learners
• Ineffective classroom layout
• Unanticipated questions
• Inappropriate expectations
• Lacking materials (instructor or learner)
• Others?

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I. Team Exercise

• Form teams of 4-6 persons
• Select a leader
• Share challenging classroom experiences
• Select the best (worst?) example from each team
  to share with the audience at-large
• 15 20 minutes
• Debrief common challenges

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II. Tips, Tools Techniques

• Audio-visual problems
• Quickly assess the situation
• Contact the in-house expert
• Attempt to troubleshoot (5 min. limit!)
• Move on utilize flip charts, whiteboards, scrap
  paper or props to visualize concepts
• Troubleshoot at break
• Other suggestions?

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II. Tips, Tools Techniques (continued)

• Disruptive learners
• Acknowledge them via eye contact
• Acknowledge them verbally
• Engage them a.s.a.p. in a friendly manner
• Compliment Devils Advocates for their points
• Stay positive while trying to bring them onboard
• If necessary, take action at break
• Utilize coworkers or classmates
• Contact a manager
• Offer them the opportunity to leave
• Other suggestions?

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II. Tips, Tools Techniques (continued)

• Ineffective classroom layout
• Check for alternative rooms
• Rearrange if possible
• Prepare to be agile (move around the room)
• Other suggestions?

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II. Tips, Tools Techniques (continued)

• Unanticipated questions
• Take a sip of water
• Thank the learner (thats a great question!)
• Ask them to clarify (can you restate that?)
• Utilize the class (who wants to volunteer?)
• Be honest if you cant answer
• Parking lot (make sure to follow up!)
• Other suggestions?

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II. Tips, Tools Techniques (continued)

• Inappropriate expectations
• Identify expectations during introductions
• Identify the source of the expectation
• Manager, course brochure, word-of-mouth, etc.
• Clearly state course agenda and objectives
• Review objectives after each break or lesson
• Attempt to meet their expectation
• Other suggestions?

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II. Tips, Tools Techniques (continued)

• Lacking materials (instructor or learner)
• Consult with others for availability (5-10 min.)
• Other students, training manager, fellow
  instructors
• Utilize whatever resources are available
• Focus on active learning
• Exercises, roundtable discussion, role-play, QA
• Other suggestions?

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II. Tips, Tools Techniques (continued)

• Other common challenges
• Other suggestions?
• Debrief tips, tools techniques

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III. Role-play Scenarios

• Form teams of 4-6 persons
• Select an instructor
• The remainder of the team will be learners
• The facilitator will hand out scenarios with
  instructions for role-playing
• 5 minutes to prepare
• 10 minutes to conduct a lesson
• Debrief role-play scenarios

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IV. Methods of Prevention

• Audio-visual problems
• Check for availability in advance
• Test on-site if possible
• Arrive early to check again
• Bring back-up equipment
• Prepare a lesson plan that is flexible
• Other suggestions?

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IV. Methods of Prevention (continued)

• Disruptive learners
• Discuss policy with company, school or chapter
• Set clear expectations during introduction
• Utilize a syllabus stating formal policy
• Be a GREAT instructor to keep them interested
• Other suggestions?

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IV. Methods of Prevention (continued)

• Ineffective classroom layout
• Provide a written request for the layout
• Check the layout in advance
• Arrive early
• Other suggestions?

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IV. Methods of Prevention (continued)

• Unanticipated questions
• Instruct subjects that you have mastered
• Engage in professional development
• Define your expertise before the sale
• Provide a complete instructor biography
• Clarify your background during introductions
• Expect the unexpected
• Other suggestions?

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IV. Methods of Prevention (continued)

• Inappropriate expectations
• Provide excellent brochures, marketing material
• Understand the clients needs (v. their wants)
• Conduct face-to-face meetings with clients
• Ensure the school or company utilizes your
  material
• Other suggestions?

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IV. Methods of Prevention (continued)

• Lacking materials (instructor or learner)
• Check your inventory in advance
• Include all requirements in promotional material
• Ensure the company/school/chapter has ordered the
  correct materials
• Validate they have received the materials
• Other suggestions?

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IV. Methods of Prevention (continued)

• Other common challenges
• Other suggestions?
• Debrief methods of prevention

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V. Summary

• Identify common challenges
• Tips, tools and techniques
• Role-play scenarios
• Methods of prevention
• Any questions, comments or concerns?

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References

• APICS Train-the-Trainer
• APICS Learning Dynamics

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Thank you for your participation!

• See you at the Opening Reception!
• Enjoy the conference!
• Contact info michaeldford_at_earthlink.net
• Cell 607.627.4853
• www.apicsdcmetro.org