Posts

My Teaching Perspective

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 I want to share a survey result here about my teaching style. This was done through the Teaching Perspectives Inventory (TPI), a tool that breaks down how we approach teaching based on five core perspectives: Transmission, Apprenticeship, Developmental, Nurturing, and Social Reform. My results reflect what and how I like to design my teaching setting. My strongest alignments are with the Apprenticeship and Developmental perspectives. That means I place high value on guiding students through real-world practice while also helping them build deeper, conceptual understanding. I don’t believe in my students to just memorize steps. I believe that when students understand why things work the way they do and learn how to apply that knowledge independently that's where the true learning begins. My Nurturing and Social Reform scores also came out strong, highlighting my belief in creating a safe, encouraging environment and helping students see how their learning connects to a bigger...

PIDP 3260: Start here [Autobiography and my values]

 Teaching didn’t begin as a career goal. I never realized that I had a passion or talent in teaching. But looking back in high school, I found myself naturally drawn to tutoring classmates, especially when I could simplify something complicated. That same instinct followed me into my 11 years at WestJet Airlines. As a team lead, I took every opportunity to mentor apprentices and junior engineers. While I enjoyed managing the operation, I loved mentoring side of it more even though this was not part of my job description. I love using analogies, and often praised for having clear communication to make complex systems easier to grasp. Over time, that approach earned the trust of even the most experienced colleagues around me. The transition from a team lead to a BCIT instructor wasn't something I planned. Just a couple years back  when a teaching opportunity opened up at BCIT, and with others' encouragement, I decided to make a jump. And I'm glad that I did that. It confirme...

Why Skilled Trades Might Be Smarter Than University Right Now

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Why Skilled Trades Might Be Smarter Than University Right Now Deciding between attending a university or learning a skilled trade? It's a big decision to make. While universities have been the traditional path, skilled trades are becoming an increasingly smart option. Here's why. Cost and Time Investment University education often requires four years of study and can be expensive. In contrast, trade schools typically offer programs that last 3 to 24 months and cost less (Degree Choices, 2022). This means students can start working and earning sooner, without accumulating significant debt. Job Demand and Security There's a growing demand for skilled trade workers. Many industries are experiencing shortages, leading to strong job security for tradespeople (McKinsey & Company, 2023). Fields like construction, electrical work, and plumbing are in need of qualified professionals. Earning Potential Skilled trades can offer competitive salaries. For instance, certain tra...

AI Tutors Are Coming. Will Human Teachers Become Obsolete?

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AI Tutors Are Coming. Will Human Teachers Become Obsolete? Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making its way into classrooms, bringing both excitement and concern. Many wonder: Could AI tutors replace human teachers? Let's explore the topic. The Rise of AI in Education AI is being used to create personalized learning experiences. For example, AI-powered platforms can adjust lessons to match a student's pace, helping them grasp difficult concepts more effectively (Netguru, 2025). This means students can receive support tailored just for them. Benefits of AI Tutors Personalized Learning: AI can adapt lessons to fit each student's needs, making learning more efficient (Netguru, 2025). 24/7 Availability: Unlike human teachers, AI tutors are available around the clock, allowing students to learn at their convenience (eLearning Industry, 2023). Immediate Feedback: AI can provide instant feedback on assignments, helping students understand mistakes right away (eLearni...

Why the Traditional Classroom is Failing Smart Students (And How to Fix It)!

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  Why the Traditional Classroom is Failing Smart Students (And How to Fix It)!                                  Credit: Focus Pocus LTD - Fotolia Copyright: Focus Pocus LTD - Fotolia The traditional classroom structure that is designed for efficiency and standardization, ironically fails to nurture our brightest minds. Research shows that up to 20% of high school dropouts test in the gifted range (Renzulli & Park, 2000). Why are smart students disengaging? One key issue is the pace of instruction. As Kanevsky and Keighley (2003) discovered, bright students frequently experience "intellectual waiting". As you might have guessed already, they are forced to progress at the class's average pace rather than their own. This leads to what researchers call "curriculum casualties". Resulting in bright students underperforming due to boredom, lack of challenge and engagement. ...

Discussion with Partner

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  Our thoughts.... On AI in Aviation: The discussion about AI's impact on aviation highlighted several critical developments. Preventative maintenance through trend monitoring represents a significant safety advancement, potentially saving lives by catching issues before they become dangerous. The focus on enhanced guest experiences through improved check-ins and baggage handling addresses common passenger pain points. We found the points about how AI can optimize flight paths, by integrating real-time data for efficiency, which could significantly reduce aviation's carbon footprint. The predictive air traffic control aspect seems most revolutionary, as it could transform how we manage increasingly crowded skies. On Adult Education Trends: Regarding adult education, we agree that adapting to job market changes is driving educational innovation. The growing employer requirements create both challenges and opportunities for lifelong learners. Online learning platforms have in...

Trends in Adult Education

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  Reimagining Adult Education: Learning in a Changing World Picture Sarah, a 35-year-old marketing professional who hasn't set foot in a traditional classroom for years. According to a comprehensive digital learning report by EdSurge (2023), her experience reflects a broader trend: over 75% of adult learners now prefer flexible, technology-enhanced learning pathways. This shift represents a fundamental transformation in how professionals approach skill development and continuous learning, moving away from rigid, time-consuming traditional education models towards more agile, personalized learning experiences. The Personal Learning Revolution Adult education is no longer about dusty textbooks and rigid schedules. Research published in the International Journal of Educational Technology (Chen et al., 2022) reveals that personalized learning technologies have transformed educational experiences, with adaptive platforms increasing learner engagement by up to 60%. Professionals like ...