Quick Training Tips
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Quick Training Tips for October 2002

ENCOURAGE QUESTIONS WITH "STUMP THE TEACHER." 
At one time, when a student asked a question I couldn't answer, I’d feel uncomfortable. But now that we play “Stump the Trainer” I not only look forward to being baffled, I give prizes for it.

At the start of class, I tape paper to the wall, write Stump the Trainer at the top and challenge students to ask questions I can't answer. When someone stumps me, he or she walks over and adds that question to the list. I encourage the class to applaud each “winner.” 

The first person to stump me even gets a prize (everybody's favorite: a sponge in the shape of a dinosaur). I always promise to find the answers by a specific time. 

This method lightens the classroom atmosphere, increases my credibility, and prevents students from feeling bad when they don't know the answers. It also helps people see research as a normal, valuable part of the learning process.

Linda Brawley
Great Western Bank
San Diego, CA

A "HANDY" WINDOWS ANALOGY. I use the following analogy to explain to students why they must perform a proper shut down of Microsoft Windows:

Windows launches many different files to help it function properly, just like a person may use many tools from a tool box in order to carry out some repairs. When you switch off your computer without a proper shutdown it is like simply dropping all the tools on the ground when you finish with them. 

If your hammer and other tools are not put back in their proper place 1) this will soon clutter up your work area, but even worse, 2) very soon you are not going to be able find some tools to be able to carry on working. 

The same can be said for Windows. When you switch off the PC without shutting down properly, it has no time to put its “tools” back in their proper place and very soon this will lead to Windows “hanging” itself due to the frustration of not been able to find the files it needs.

And some files might even become damaged, like tools which have been left out in the rain and become rusty.

Krishnan Muthu
COMAT Training Services 
Singapore
 

TURN THE START OF CLASS INTO A REAL CELEBRATION! I once threw a party as a way to celebrate the beginning of a training series for supervisors. We had balloons, confetti and, of course, food. 

At the end of the session, I asked people to share one thing they would take with them. As each person shared an idea, I gave them a balloon. It was a great way to end the course! 

Laura Culver

The above Tips are reprinted from the book "Quick Training Tips! How to teach computing skills to practically anyone" edited by Loretta Weiss-Morris, copyright 2001-2002 Systems Literacy Inc.