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Bueller? Bueller? Bueller...?  Oh, we've all sat through this class, haven't we?! A class where the instructor reads each word from the never-ending source of dull PowerPoint slides with all the excitement of Ben Stein's character in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I feel inspired just thinking about it!

I have often said there are two types of instructors - those who are inspired to teach, and those who have a certificate to teach. The individuals who have the passion to share their knowledge will study their craft, practice presenting their material in an inspiring way and rely more on their knowledge of the subject than the use of presentations as a crutch! After all, if you don't know your subject well enough to teach it without the aid of prompts, should you be teaching it at all?!

I have been an instructor for the better part of ten years and still learning the art of teaching. I'm not perfect, but I try to improve before, during, and after every class I teach. And coming from someone with the attention span of a gnat, I want to teach a class that I would sit through – and learn.

The building of future firefighters is literally in your hands - it is your RESPONSIBILITY to deliver your subject matter in an exciting and comprehensive way. If not, then I’m sure there’s a high school economics class just begging for your communication skills!

Click link below to see more of Paul's work or to order prints:
http://www.artstudioseven.com/page-LE_Prints.htm

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Comment by Paul Combs on February 7, 2013 at 9:56am

Thanks to all who commented and shared the message! And thank you, Chief Halton, for giving me a platform to state my opinion and, hopefully, make a difference!

Comment by Michael Ward on January 27, 2013 at 3:41pm

Oh My Gosh!

PERFECT TIMING as I work on a presentation ... inspiration appreciated!

Mike

Comment by Fire Chief Billy Greenwood on January 27, 2013 at 12:31pm

Paul excellent topic my friend!  I often say that the fire service has become so dynamic (diverse) in our response and mitigation, that any single instructor for which tries to deliver all of the "subjects" cannot provide mastery of any of them. Thus "the crutch" factor you speak of becomes relevant.  Great Post. See you in Indy! Billy

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