Mark Cahill

Stress should be dealt with just like any other task a teacher has in their busy day. You prepare lecture, demonstrations, grading, ect.. Why not throw stress management in the mix?!

I, like most, live with stress. I can relate to all of the sources mentioned in this section. I find that simple meditation (of any kind) can help you stay focused, as well as give you a break from reality.

Last summer I was asked to teach some additional classes. Always being one to say yes, I accepted. It was not so much the four different classes I taught (simultaneously) that was the challenge. It was the grading of hundreds of test's and paper's that consumed all my time and energy. If I knew then what I know now, I would have approached things differently.

Task Prioritization is essentially what we refer to as "Mise En Place" in our Culinary Teachings. It is necessary to have everything in its place and in an order that makes sense. Time management is crucial in the kitchen.

I am a firm believer in reviewing. I like to use the phrase "Repetition is the mother of all skill". The more you go over something, wether it be a physical activity or reflecting on an idea or subject matter, the easier it is to retain.

I think one of the biggest challenges I find as a teacher is after I explain a task and I view all the heads nodding in agreement, shortly thereafter I am baffled as I watch half of them doing something completely different. It seems to be the younger students (18-23). I jokingly ask them if when they here me speak, do I sound like the teacher from Charlie Brown/Peanuts? It is frustrating because in the Culinary World, if you are unable to take direction and do exactly what is asked of you, you are destined to fail.

My students are such a mix of different back grounds, experience levels, education levels, and languages that it is always a challenge to keep interest levels high, and be sure you are getting through to each and every one of them in a manner in which they can relate to and fully comprehend.

I find in my teaching environment that the best way for my students to learn is to do. A majority of my students have a language barrier issue which is challenging to us all. Once we get into our production mode things start to click when I can have them mirror my demonstration.

I find that music can be quite a mood setter and motivator. It can often be quite a distraction, if not managed properly. Playing music during clean up, for instance, is a fantastic way of keeping students on point.

I often tell my students something that was told to me many years ago. "The Best Way To Learn Is To Teach". I tell them that learning is a life long experience and I am always open about something I am unsure of. I will tell a student with a puzzling question, that I am not certain of the answer and I will get back to them asap. Most embrace this. But, be sure and get back to them in a timely fashion.