As a mid-manager in a middle sized organization constantly juggling the demands of subordinates, peers and a director, I feel like I've had much non-formal experience coaching and teaching. I've had the opportunity to have excellent bosses and also not-so-excellent bosses. I was responsible for hiring my staff and was proud to see them grow and mature in their role, becoming more confident. I continuously looked for ways to provide guidelines but also provide room and freedom to take chances and make mistakes.
As an instructor, I believe, similarly, our role to be one of coaching. In the article by Schmidt called "The Future of Adult Education", the role of the adult educator is examined. It is agreed that the passion for helping adults learn, and being there when the "light bulb moments occur" is what drives most teachers to do what they do. Schmidt examines some themes that seem to hold the key to future success in the field of adult education.
Among them is realizing that many people now not only may change jobs during their lifetime, but may change entire careers quite often requiring re-training. This is certainly the case in the the Tourism industry. In recent years, budgets in the Tourism industry have been very tight, this has meant that marketers need to be more innovative and adopt new technology and be able to able to adapt to new ways of working. Adoption of social media, for example, has meant being able to reach a target audience more economically.
In conclusion, I believe these are exciting times to be an educator in any field, but particularly in the field of hospitality and tourism. As an adult educator, and someone wanting to pass on my 20+ years of experience in travel and tourism, I am excited about marrying the old and the new.
As an instructor, I believe, similarly, our role to be one of coaching. In the article by Schmidt called "The Future of Adult Education", the role of the adult educator is examined. It is agreed that the passion for helping adults learn, and being there when the "light bulb moments occur" is what drives most teachers to do what they do. Schmidt examines some themes that seem to hold the key to future success in the field of adult education.
Among them is realizing that many people now not only may change jobs during their lifetime, but may change entire careers quite often requiring re-training. This is certainly the case in the the Tourism industry. In recent years, budgets in the Tourism industry have been very tight, this has meant that marketers need to be more innovative and adopt new technology and be able to able to adapt to new ways of working. Adoption of social media, for example, has meant being able to reach a target audience more economically.
In conclusion, I believe these are exciting times to be an educator in any field, but particularly in the field of hospitality and tourism. As an adult educator, and someone wanting to pass on my 20+ years of experience in travel and tourism, I am excited about marrying the old and the new.