BY DR. TONY L. HONEYCUTT

The invention of education and training predates the invention of the Internet, the computer, or the slide projector. It even predates, by thousands of years, the invention of the writing pen or the blackboard. But the original instructional method is still in use today: Provide a context in which a person can perform a skill or use knowledge; give them good directions that allow them to try it; praise their successes; then reinforce it to ensure that they keep doing it successfully.
Over the last few decades, we have tried, with little success, to reinvent the educational process. We have inter-activated it, distanced it, and accelerated it. Today we Web it, Net it, and experientialize it. Even with all the advances in educational technology, we just can’t seem to turn subject matter about improving educational processes into better education.
Today, the emphasis is moving from teaching to learning. Publications are full of articles hyping the latest reinvention. Terms such as “experiential learning,” “interactive learning,” “Web-based learning,” “e-learning,” and “instructor-led learning” are the latest buzzwords in educational reform. Student learning should always be paramount to those of us who call ourselves educators. Different ways of packaging and delivering instruction can greatly aid the learning process but are only part of the solution. An environment for learning is more about philosophy and attitude than about location and delivery systems. A quality learning environment nurtured by a quality instructor positively impacts student learning and cannot be replaced by technology alone.
A good instructor is much the same as a good parent. They leave their personal agendas outside the learning environment and encourage, accelerate, lead, and assist in the development of the student. Good instructors forge ahead even though students may not be interested, may be intellectually challenged, or may think the instructor has nothing of value to offer them. In addition, a good instructor has the ability to adapt the presentation of materials to the audience being served. The presentation method that worked well with one class may not work with the next. Good instructors resist the one-size-fits-all approach to instruction, assess the needs of the individual and modifys the material (as best he/she can) based on the requirements of each student. The instructor’s ability to mix a little humor into the serious discussions at the appropriate time creates a learning environment where the topic remains fresh, interesting, and holds the student’s focus.
Possessing a practical, thorough knowledge of their course content, the most effective instructors are able to explain difficult concepts by associating them with a subject that the audience is already familiar with. This can only be accomplished when the instructor has done his/her homework in order to determine the background of their audience and their level of expertise.
Proficient instructors are always one question ahead of their students. Since they cannot know what the next question will be, they must be continually learning more about their subject matter. An exceptional instructor never stops asking “Why?”
The latest educational technology is only a tool that reaches its potential when used in conjunction with a quality instructor. A quality learning environment is created when the instructor is a master of whatever skill he/she needs to convey, has the ability to observe existing student skills, a clear image of what he/she wants the student’s skills to be, enough understanding to set up conditions that cause or allow the change in student skills to occur and most importantly a passion for the knowledge that is being shared. Or as the Chinese proverb states: “The way to do is to be.” DBJ

(Dr. Tony L Honeycutt, is the Dean of Career & Workforce Education at Mississippi Delta Community College)