Training Masters is a training and consulting company specializing in helping schools, businesses, and organizations reach their full growth potential.
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Training Masters' "Pursuing Instructional Excellence" (PIE) program is an expanding library of animated and narrated programs designed to assist teachers as they improve their teaching skills. Each CD covers one main topic such as "The Effective Lesson" and "Questioning in the Classroom." Each program includes a comprehensive resource file that provides a variety of support materials such as case studies and a session highlights outline. A 20-question "test" accompanies each program and provides a review of the concepts and practices presented.
PIE programs can be used in a group setting (presenter mode) or by individuals (self-paced mode). In the presenter mode, the participants use hand-held remote control units to respond to questions found throughout the program. After all participants have answered, the presenter can display the response statistics as well as the best choice. This often provides an opportunity for group discussion and/or debate.
PIE is most effective when delivered to a group by an in-house facilitator. The "KlickerZ" remote response system and group interaction create engaging, energetic sessions that promote enhancement of teaching skills.
In the self-paced mode, individuals work independently or in pairs to view the same content. They interact with the program using the computer keyboard rather than a remote control unit. In addition, in this mode if a question in the 20-question test is not answered correctly, the individual can quickly review that section of the program from which the question was taken. Then, with the click of a button, s/he can return to the test. The self-paced mode provides a make-up opportunity for those who may have missed a group presentation.
Module Descriptions:
"Questioning" can be one of the most effective teaching tools. However, many instructors are not familiar with best practices and research associated with good questioning. As a consequence, the art of effective questioning is an appropriate topic for in-service sessions. This PIE module begins by comparing and contrasting major types of questions and their most appropriate uses. Some relevant statistics and research findings are presented, followed by a discussion of four good questioning practices. The module concludes by offering a few tips for teachers to consider.
"An Instructor's Guide to Soft Skills" is designed to familiarize instructors and teachers with the concepts of soft skills and emotional intelligence so that they can use this information to improve their professional performance. Included is a comparison of hard and soft skills and of people skills and workplace behaviors. Ten "most important" soft skills are discussed in detail. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is defined, and the relationship between soft skill and EQ is explained. The program concludes with tips that can help individuals improve their soft skills and EQ.
To learn more about the PIE training modules...click here.
To watch samples of PIE training modules...click here.
Questioning can be one of the most effective classroom teaching strategies. However, many instructors are not familiar with the techniques and research findings associated with good questioning. As a result, the art of effective questioning is an excellent topic for in-service sessions. This PIE module begins by comparing and contrasting the major types of questions and their most appropriate uses. Some relevant statistics and research findings are presented, followed by a discussion of four good questioning practices. The module concludes by offering a few tips for instructors to consider.