Learning Approach

Interaction

A central challenge all educators face is to involve students with course subject matter. This can be a dauting task as most students live busy, complicated lives with many obligations--work, family, friends, entertainments, and so on. In addition, there are many student "target audiences."

Since beginning my teaching career in the fall of 2003, I have met students from a wide variety of backgrounds--from a 17-year-old taking a Small Business Startup course to a retired crane operator taking an Excel spreadsheet course. Presently, approximately 1/3 of the Inver Hills' student body are adults over 30 who are returning to the classroom to seek new skills--often taking an evening course after a full day's work.

How then to get the 17-year-old, the retired crane operator, and everyone in between to learn? The truth is I am still working on the details. However, one learning strategy is clear. Students from all stations in life learn better if they actively interact with the material.

Interaction Methods

My courses use the following interaction methods.

• Hands-on use of leading software packages. For example, in Small Business Start-Up and Small Business Management students do more than simply learn small business theory. They apply this theory by incorporating software to complete assignments.
• Group projects. Group assignments are structured so active participation is required from all group members.
• Student presentations.
• One-on-one time with the instructor. This provides the ability to personalize material to each student.
• Relevant assignments. Drawing upon over 20 years' business experience, I have taken care to develop assignments which are "real world" and reinforce skills which are required in business today. See "Courses" from the main menu for sample assignment details.