Trainer As Consultant 12/08

This certificate at the NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies has expanded my mindset regarding learning and teaching and has been a positive experience professionally and personally.

The next certificate -- Coaching -- will be completed in 2009 and has helped to me to better understand and support learners in the classroom and one-on-one.

Permanent Weight Loss is a Metaphor for Life

While this may seem off topic for a Math blog, the methodology and mindset for permanent weight loss is very similar to that of success in Math. In 2003, I lost 40 pounds off of a 5'2" frame after a health issue forced me to give up sugar!

I have kept the weight off for 3.5 years and since it was always my #1 New Year's Resolution, I have had to reorient my goals and find new ones to keep myself going!

Looking long-term, making a commitment, planning in advance, staying on course!

Motivation is a Key to Success

More and more I realize that what I do is not really about the Math...much of it is about motivation and coaching. How do you build a student who is willing and eager to learn? How does one instill the idea of doing one's best? That phrase is overused so the one I like to use is living up to one's potential. I know that when I took History is high school I did not do very well -- my interest level was low. I got less and less enthusiastic with the less work that I put in. In hindsight, if I had put in a little more I would have gotten a lot more out.

It is not necessary or even desirable to do everything excellently, just to know that you put forth the effort makes a big positive difference!