Here are some of my thoughts about Stephen Brookfield’s book called The Skillful Teacher. I enjoyed reading about his experiences as a teacher which reminded me of my first years of teaching. I felt relieved to see that everyone struggles when they first start teaching. I love the fact that he said it was okay to make mistakes as long as you imnprove. I teach every class a little different each time because the class dynamics are different as well.Stephen’s book helped me understand that this approach was okay and be willing to adapt any situation when teaching . I have worked with other instructor who have never changed their lectures and don’t want to. That’s why I’m taking the PIDP program because I don’t want to be like them.
I used to run my own business before and had to make tough decision on somebody’s future.The ecthical dilemma assignment part helped me understand that there are better ways to make a decision. I could have of used some of these tools in making better decisions in the past.
I knew I needed to make improvements to my shop content. I would always ask the apprentices after each intake and this approach wasn’t very successful. Our programs run for eight weeks and the apprentices are quite busy. The Critical Incident Questionnaire portion showed me a way to get needed feedback without to much fuss for the apprentice. With the C.I.Q. being anonymous,I hope they will provide positive feedback. I have a C.I.Q. ready to use for the next first year class.
Reading between the lines , I believe you need to” know your audience” and be willing to share your knowledge.
I have read several blogs from PIDP 3260 class and found we share similar goals or values but different perspectives. It definitely keeps things interesting.
I have enjoyed my PIDP journey and I’m close to the finsih line. I hope you enjoy journey as well.
Mike Bignell
Hello. My name is Mike Bignell and I teach at SAIT Polytechnic.
I work in the Apprenticeship Programs and teach Residential, Commercial and Industrial Painting. It’s a three year program with eight week intake for each year. I have been in the Painting industry for 38 years starting as an apprentice to running a company and finally an instructor. I received my Journeyman’s Ticket and Red Seal Endorsement in 1982 and starting teaching in 2002. I started my career in aboriginal programs teaching painting on Siksika Nation which lead to full-time Apprenticeship Instructor. I teach all the math , theory and practical theory relate to painting which keeps me busy during intakes. I’m also involved with Skills Alberta which show cases most of the Apprenticeship Programs through a yearly competition.
I never planned on being an instructor but never turned down a opportunity to try something different. The first five years was a large learning curve on how to be instructor. After a several years of growing pains I reached a point where I did not how to improve myself has an instructor. The PIDP course was offered but I didn’t think it help. I finally took that step and signed up for my first PIDP course in 2012 and I’m glad I did. The PIDP courses that I have taken so far, taught me how to become a better instructor. By improving my classroom lectures with being more structured and better prepared. It helped me revised all my course material and developed new material with what I learned. I will admit that some the material in the PIDP doesn’t fit with Apprenticeship Programs because of the length of time we have the apprentices. It also taught me how to try different ways to lecture because one size doesn’t fit all. I’m really pleased I took this course because I didn’t want to be that boring teacher we all had.
First Test
Good Day , Kendell
This is the first test for my Blog. Let me know if it worked.
mike7244 