Nor-Mal-ity in the Workplace

  Creating Impactful Learning Environments: The Definitive Dos and Don'ts of an Adult Classroom Management" Teaching adults isn’t like herding kids—it’s like running a meeting where everyone has opinions and coffee. So how do you keep them engaged without losing your mind? By nailing these dos and avoiding the don’ts, of course! The Dos: Set the Stage for Success Set Clear Expectations Adults love knowing the rules upfront. Spell it out to avoid late-night emails. Foster Open Communication Treat them as equals. Listening shows respect and encourages collaboration. Respect Diversity Honor their varied backgrounds and learning styles—diagrams for some, memes for others. Encourage Participation Skip the lectures; bring in group work and real-life scenarios. Drama club, anyone? Give Constructive Feedback Be specific and kind. Skip the “that’s wrong,” and go for “let’s try it this way.” Cr...

  So, you've decided to tackle self-directed learning . Great! Here’s how you can survive it—and how this approach will shape the way I teach. Step 1: Are You Ready? Before diving in, check if you’re organized, motivated, and able to learn on your own. If you can manage your time and accept feedback, you’re ready to go! How it will change my teaching: As a teacher, I’ll help students assess their readiness by guiding them through self-reflection exercises. This will encourage them to think critically about their abilities before they start. Step 2: Set Clear Goals Create a learning plan with specific goals and deadlines. It’s like making a promise to yourself (and me) to stay on track. How it will change my teaching: I’ll emphasize the importance of setting clear, achievable goals and collaborate with students on their learning contracts. This will ensure everyone has a clear path to follow and will help me tailor support as needed. Step 3: Get to Work Dive deep int...

Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) is revolutionizing the way we learn—and yes, you can do it in your PJs. No more commuting, awkward icebreakers, or pretending to look interested in a PowerPoint. With VILT, you can learn from anywhere, anytime, without leaving your couch. Why VILT is Taking Over VILT is the new go-to for businesses and universities alike. It’s efficient, cost-effective, and eliminates travel hassles. You can train employees, customers, or partners without booking flights or packing a suitcase. And let’s face it, who really wants to leave home? Key Ingredients for Success For VILT to work, you need three things: good tech, engaging content, and a skilled instructor. No one wants to be the person who can’t unmute, and if the content isn’t interesting, you might as well be watching paint dry. And instructors? Bring the energy—no one likes a snooze fest. Benefits of VILT VILT cuts costs, increases flexibility, and can reach more people than traditional methods. You c...

Exploring Trends in Construction and Adult Education: A Conversation with Ryan I recently had a great phone call with Ryan N, where we discussed key trends in the construction industry and adult education. Here’s a recap of our conversation and the insights we shared. Challenges and Opportunities in the Construction Industry Ryan highlighted the ongoing labor shortage in Canada’s booming construction sector. Companies are struggling to find skilled workers and are offering higher wages to attract talent, making construction an appealing career choice. However, workers without professional certifications often face lower pay and less job security, even though they have opportunities to move for better pay. On the bright side, the industry is becoming more inclusive, welcoming women, young people, and Indigenous workers into a supportive and positive work culture. This shift not only addresses labor shortages but also fosters a more dynamic and diverse workforce. Key Takeaways: Labor ...

I recently found an article regarding Renewable Natural Gas - which is relevant to my line of work. Interested in how it will impact us? Read on! RNG is like the kid on the bench with superstar potential – but environmental regulators aren’t passing it the ball. Even though RNG can go carbon-negative by turning methane from landfills and farms into fuel, it’s still not getting the same love as battery-electric or hydrogen. And fleets that know it’s a game-changer are getting frustrated. At a recent industry conference, folks from Waste Management and Cummins pointed out that RNG-fueled trucks are already on the road, doing their eco-thing without the complex filters and costs of diesel. Not to mention, RNG doesn’t throw a tantrum with volatile prices like diesel does. It’s affordable, scalable, and already powering North America’s largest fleet of RNG trucks – over 13,000 strong! While RNG isn’t the shiny new electric toy, it’s a solid, sustainable MVP with a proven track record. As ...

5 Trends Shaping Adult Education (and Why You’ll Love Them) Adult education is getting a makeover, and it’s more exciting than ever. Here are five trends changing the game—and making learning a little more fun: Mobile-First Learning Why hit the books when you can hit your couch? With mobile learning, you can study anywhere—like on your phone while avoiding eye contact with your barista. Flexibility at its finest. How it will change my teaching: I'll need to create mobile-friendly content that’s engaging on any screen size, ensuring learners can access lessons wherever they are. How I’ll Prepare: Invest in tools to design bite-sized, interactive lessons optimized for mobile devices. Goodbye boring PDFs, hello swipeable slides and quick quizzes! Blended Learning & Workforce Training Who says you can't mix work and play? Blended learning combines classroom smarts with hands-on training, so you can ace that job interview and learn how to fix the office coffee machine. H...

The Future of Skilled Trades : Tech, Training, and Tackling the Labor Shortage The skilled trades industry is gearing up for 2024 with three big trends: tech, labor shortages, and continuous education. Let’s break it down with a smile!   Tech Integration: Tools, Gadgets, and 70% Excitement Skilled workers are embracing tech, with 70% excited to use new tools on the job. Digital tools are stepping in to solve communication issues, and soon, your toolbox might include apps and augmented reality—goodbye "oops" moments, hello innovation! Incorporating these technologies into training will be essential. Virtual simulations, interactive apps, and augmented reality tools will enhance hands-on learning and provide real-world problem-solving experiences in a controlled environment. In the classroom, this means creating opportunities for students to engage with digital tools and familiarize themselves with tech that will be part of their future careers. How it will change my teaching:...