Nor-Mal-ity in the Workplace

  Cooking Fail What not to do Meal prep take-out

  Easy Meal Prep in 6 Steps Meal Prep Like a Pro Meal prep doesn't have to be a chore—make it fun, simple, and totally doable! This cute and clever infographic breaks meal prep down into six easy steps to help you save time, eat healthier, and reduce food waste. From planning and shopping smart to batch cooking and proper storage, you'll be set for the week in no time. Pro Tip: Keep this infographic pinned to your fridge or saved on your phone so your future self can thank you when hangry hits!  Nor-Mali-ity in the Workplace  © 2025  by  MKos  is licensed under   CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 

In this post, I want to talk share how I’ll be building my learning environment in a way that helps students  experience   Assessment  of ,  for , or  as  Learning  ideas first-hand. Because here’s the thing: ownership of learning can’t be handed to anyone in a lecture. It’s something you feel when the conditions are right—when the learning becomes yours (Earl, 2013). You’ll Catch the Shift When... Here’s how I’m shaping my class so students begin to naturally shift from doing the work for a grade to doing it for their growth : 1. They’ll Set the Bar, Not Just Meet It Instead of me telling students what “good” looks like all the time, they’ll work with examples, create their own success criteria, and revisit their goals. In my  Effective Meal Planning course, for example, they’ll co-create a checklist with their team based on what they  think makes a strong meal plan—not just what I think. Why? Because once you define success, yo...

  💡  “Mindsets aren’t taught — they’re caught.” Some of the most powerful shifts in education don’t come from lectures. They come from lived experience. The growth mindset and learner’s mindset are not something I teach about — they are something I help students experience for themselves. In this post, I’ll share how I intentionally design my learning environment to move students from a fixed mindset to a growth and ultimately a learner’s mindset — one small moment at a time. 1. Start with Safety Before any mindset shift happens, students must feel safe to fail, try again, and reflect. I intentionally build a classroom culture where: Mistakes are normal Questions are welcomed Struggles are part of the process I model my own learning curve, share failures, and celebrate persistence. According to Edmondson (2019), this kind of psychological safety is essential for risk-taking and innovation. Reference: Edmondson, A. C. (2019). The fearless organization. Wiley. On...

  Muddiest Point Infographic Nor-Mali-ity in the Workplace  © 2025  by  MKos  is licensed under   CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 

After completing the Provincial Instructor Diploma Program (PIDP) , here are some ways I would like to continue my development to ongoing learning—focusing on both subject matter expertise and enhancing my instructional skills. Learning Activities & Ongoing Development Instructional Design & Project Management: I'd dive deeper into these areas by taking courses from Coursera or enrolling in professional certificates from institutions like BCIT or UBC Sauder. Staying sharp in designing learning experiences and managing educational projects would be key. Experimenting with Teaching Methods: I’d challenge myself to incorporate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Active Learning Strategies to make lessons more engaging, accessible, and dynamic. Trying flipped classrooms or gamification techniques would be an exciting challenge! Conferences & Workshops: ATD (Association for Talent Development) – If I wanted to ...

  Teaching is a challenging yet deeply rewarding profession. In The Skillful Teacher , Stephen Brookfield (2015) outlines 16 maxims that serve as guiding principles for educators striving to maintain balance, growth, and effectiveness in their practice. These maxims help teachers navigate the emotional, intellectual, and professional complexities of teaching while staying grounded and focused. 16 Maxims for Skillful Teaching Attend to Your Emotional Survival – Teaching is emotionally intense. Take care of your mental and emotional health to sustain yourself and your work. Expect Ambiguity – Not everything will be clear or predictable. Embrace uncertainty and be flexible in your approach. Perfection is an Illusion – You won’t always get things right, and that’s okay. Let go of the need to be perfect and focus on continuous improvement. Ground Your Teaching in How Your Students are Learning – Effective teaching isn’t about ...

  Emotions shape learning, influencing engagement, confidence, and motivation. In The Skillful Teacher , Brookfield (2015) highlights the need to recognize and respond to emotions to create an inclusive and effective learning environment. Key Emotional Challenges Brookfield identifies several emotions that impact learning: Impostor Syndrome – Students may feel undeserving of success, leading to self-doubt. Encouraging self-reflection and normalizing struggles helps build confidence. Cultural Suicide – Some students feel pressured to abandon their identity to fit into academic spaces. Educators can counter this by valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity. Surviving the Rhythms of Roadrunning – Learning is a marathon, not a sprint. A strong classroom community provides the support students need to persist through challenges. Strategies for Educators Model Emotional Awareness – Show students how to ...

  Vision for the Next Five Years as an Instructor In five years, I see myself as a skilled and adaptable instructor, committed to continuously enhancing trades education. My goal is to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes critical thinking, hands-on problem-solving, and self-directed learning. I will incorporate emerging technologies into my teaching to ensure students gain relevant skills for a rapidly evolving industry. Additionally, I aspire to advance into a leadership role as an Instructional Designer, contributing to curriculum development and supporting the growth of both students and fellow educators. Three SMART Professional Goals Earn My Provincial Instructor Diploma Specific: Complete the Provincial Instructor Diploma Program (PIDP) to enhance my instructional skills. Measurable: Successfully finish all required courses and assessments. Achievable: Dedicate focused study time while balanci...

Understanding why students resist learning is important for teachers, as Stephen Brookfield explains in Chapter 16 of The Skillful Teacher. Resistance can happen for several reasons, like how students see themselves, thinking the subject isn’t useful, cultural expectations, fear of the unknown, or being pushed too quickly (Brookfield, 2015). Students might resist if they feel embarrassed or worry they’re not good enough, especially with tough topics. If they think the subject doesn’t relate to their life or future, they might lose interest. Cultural pressures, like family or community expectations, can also create challenges for students to fully engage in learning. Fear of the unknown happens when students face ideas that seem unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Brookfield suggests teachers create a safe, encouraging space to help students feel curious instead of scared. Also, introducing new material too quickly can confuse or overwhelm them, so it’s important to go step by step. Brookfield...

  In Chapter 3 of The Skillful Teacher , Brookfield (2015) emphasizes the importance of seeing the classroom from a student’s perspective. He highlights that what instructors assume is clear may not always be understood by learners. One key technique he suggests is identifying the muddiest point, where students pinpoint the most confusing part of a lesson. By actively seeking student feedback, teachers can adjust their methods to improve clarity and engagement. Application in My Trades Training Classroom As an adult trades instructor, I can apply these insights by: Using the muddiest point technique – Asking students what they find most confusing and addressing it directly. Observing classroom dynamics – Paying attention to body language and participation levels. Encouraging open communication – Creating an environment where students feel comfortable asking for clarification. By using these strategies, I can ensure my instruction is c...