Right Wisdom

I spent Saturday at the District 6 TLI (Toastmasters Leadership Institute). I got the opportunity to training the VP Education officers. Had a lot of fun telling them about the DCP (Distinguished Club Program). I handed out index cards and those who didn't have a card had to put the group in order of the DCP points. I think they had a lot of fun learning about the DCP this way. I really enjoyed the keynote speaker, Roger Revak. He did a great job and it was a great speech on taking your Toastmaster talents outside of your club. I also took in an education session on a program called "Strive, Revive and Thrive". A proven program that helps clubs grow and stay strong. Also attended the awards luncheon. As division governor you are expected to attend as many of these district events as possible. that is a good thing it helps grow your leadership skills and gives you an opprotunity to share your knowledge and network with other Toastmasters. I'll be back bloggin...

Have you ever heard the phrase “it’s not my fault”? Maybe you have even said it a few times. It seems as if there is a prevailing sense that people no longer want to take responsibility for their actions. People will find an excuse for everything. If they are late it is because of traffic. That may very well be the case but people need to allow extra time. It is better to get there early then late. If you are a leader you even have more responsibility. You need to make sure the image you convey is one of honesty and integrity. You need to take responsibility for your actions. Leaders are also trying to pass the buck. They end up passing it down to one of their own people. This really makes the leader look bad. As a leader it is your responsibility to know what your people are doing and to also make sure they understand what is expected of them. If they screw up then you should be the one to take the heat. You should be the one telling others that it is your fault; you didn’t trai...

http://www.stolaf.edu/other/extend/Expectations/society.html The link I have included is a compilation of some business executives who write about what they are seeing in the math ability of their employees. Is America falling behind the world in math education? I would hope not. However trends seem to suggest otherwise and the linked article is just an example of what the business world is seeing as repercussions to America's lack of quality math education. Jim Miller of the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute asked in the article why the University of Wisconsin offers a course that is primarily about adding fractions. This is a trend we see far too frequently in colleges and Universities around the country. It is my belief that this is caused by the lack of basics and number sense being taught in elementary schools. Miller goes on to say "There's almost no accountability now. Students are not being challenged. If they feel good, they think that's enough. I don't ...

Have you ever wondered why students in the United States have been performing so poorly in Mathematics? It's not that math is hard. It's not that students are stupid. It is all in the way students learn and specifically how they learn math. We need to teach them math in a way that makes sense to them. Type in "Math Wars" in Google and see what you find. Let me hear what you think. Thanks!!