Made to Stick (Makeup: June 30, 2010 Chat session)

My first impression of the introduction was “how does this apply to this class?”. As I continued to read, I was pleasantly surprised with what I was reading and was able to form mental images. I was familiar with the majority of the examples that the author used, especially the urban legends and the proverbs.

The unexpected reaction that I had was that I would actually continue to read this book beyond what is required for this class. I am interested in reading more about “SUCCESs” and how it may assist me with my training skills. The question I am left with at this point is: How do I present formatted, clear cut information in a SUCCEsful way?

I am not a traditional educator. I am an

instructor on a mobile training team (MTT) for the military. I am often in a different state each week with new personnel attending each class session. On average, I instruct two two-day sessions covering the same material each time. The software application that I teach is standardized and cannot be changed unless the software developers change it. There are seven types of reports that this software application will produce. All of the information entered into this report as well as who, what, when, where and why is governed my military regulations and policies. So, how can I present information such as this in a more SUCCESsful way?

The material I cover is somewhat boring to many, almost like chemistry to those who have not been previously exposed to the application. I have so much information that I must cover during to the two-day session so I must admit that I sometimes sound like a recording. Other times, I may sound like a walking talking regulation simply because I must quote/give the official answer from the policy or regulation to many of the questions that I am asked. This book, Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath, will be read in its entirety to seek and possibly get an answer to: How can I present dry, boring as many students say, material in a more SUCCESsful way?