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Wise Wizard
wisewizard@verified-nostr.com
npub19az4...tntn
Enabling Learner Success in Career-Relevant Education; No Agenda Podcast Producer; Dame of the Round Table
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wisewizard 1 year ago
Hello #nostr Popping in to solicit a Happy Birthday from the nostriches. I turned 50 today and spent the day working my three jobs. Reaching out to get a little attention!
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wisewizard 1 year ago
Supporting #genz with #adultlearning and #andragogy principles in #highereducation #highered How Colleges Are Adapting to the Changing Needs of Gen Z Students Colleges and universities are evolving to meet the needs of a new generation: Generation Z. Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z students are digital natives who have grown up in an era of constant connectivity, fast-changing technology including touch screens, and increasing social awareness. They approach education differently than previous generations, and higher education institutions are starting to shift their strategies to better engage and support them. One of the most significant changes is the focus on flexible learning options. Gen Z students value the ability to control when, where, and how they learn. This trend resembles what we know of adult and non-traditional learners, but at an earlier age than with prior generations. Traditional, lecture-based models are being supplemented (and sometimes replaced) with hybrid and fully online courses that offer more autonomy, particularly since the lockdown response to the pandemic. For example, at many universities, students can now take part of their coursework online while still having in-person lab or group work, allowing them to balance education with part-time jobs, internships, or personal commitments. This trend increases the need to incorporate andragogical principles into program and course design. Another area of focus is mental health support. Gen Z is more open about discussing mental health issues, and they expect their schools to offer resources for stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Colleges are responding by providing expanded mental health services, including teletherapy, wellness centers, and peer support groups. A friend of mine, who teaches at a state university, recently shared a story about a student who was struggling with anxiety during midterms. In response, the campus offered an impromptu “Mental Health Day” complete with workshops, stress-relief activities, and extended counseling hours. The student later said that this small adjustment helped her feel supported and refocused for her exams. Colleges are also adapting their career services to better prepare students for a fast-changing job market. Gen Z is particularly entrepreneurial and focused on gaining practical, hands-on experience. As a result, schools are offering more internships, career coaching, and mentorship programs to bridge the gap between education and the workforce. From offering more personalized learning paths to addressing mental well-being and future career readiness, colleges are working hard to meet the needs of Gen Z students. By embracing these changes, higher education institutions are not only helping students succeed academically, but also supporting their overall development in a way that resonates with this unique generation.
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wisewizard 1 year ago
"Only a few weeks following the officious fact check at the #debate, we now have new data from the National #Crime Victimization Survey. The Wall Street Journal reports: 'The urban violent-crime rate increased 40% from 2019 to 2023. Excluding simple assault, the urban violent-crime rate rose 54% over that span. From 2022 to 2023, the urban violent-crime rate didn’t change to a statistically significant degree, so these higher crime rates appear to be the new norm in America’s cities.'"
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wisewizard 1 year ago
Overcoming Perfectionism: Embracing Mistakes to Learn by Doing I once worked with a colleague, Amanda, who was the epitome of precision. Her attention to detail was impressive, and her work was flawless—when it finally got finished. But deadlines would come and go while Amanda agonized over each pixel in a presentation or the wording of a proposal. Her desire for perfection was admirable, but also her greatest obstacle. Amanda's fear of making a mistake often paralyzed her from moving forward. Her story is not unique. Many of us have been conditioned to believe that mistakes are inherently bad, and something to be avoided at all costs. In reality, mistakes are an essential part of growth, especially in professional environments where adaptability and continuous learning are prized. The pursuit of perfection can be stifling, leading to missed opportunities and delayed progress. I can still recall a project early in my career where I faced a similar dilemma. I was tasked with leading a new training initiative, and like Amanda, I wanted everything to be perfect before launch. I spent days tweaking the curriculum, questioning whether I had included all the necessary elements, and imagining every possible scenario that could go wrong. In the end, I pushed the project forward with lingering doubts in my mind. To my surprise, the initial rollout wasn’t perfect—but that’s where the magic happened. Feedback from participants showed me areas that needed improvement, but more importantly, it taught me lessons I could never have learned by agonizing over theory and preparation. Through their input and my willingness to adapt, the training program became stronger and more effective than it would have been if I had waited for it to be flawless from the start. This experience helped me realize that perfectionism is an illusion. In any meaningful work, progress is made through iteration—by trying, failing, learning, and trying again. Embracing mistakes as part of the process allows us to move forward with greater speed and confidence. The key is not to aim for perfection, but to be open to growth, and willing to embrace the lessons that come with imperfection.
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wisewizard 1 year ago
The Power of Storytelling in Inspirational Leadership In leadership, facts and figures may help you build credibility, but it’s stories that will inspire action from your team. Leaders who master the art of storytelling can create powerful connections with their teams, foster motivation, and drive change in a way that facts alone rarely do. Consider the story of Jessica, a manager at a mid-sized tech company. Jessica’s team was struggling with a difficult project, morale was low, and deadlines were looming. Despite offering resources and technical solutions, Jessica noticed that her team remained disengaged. Rather than presenting another set of instructions or targets, she decided to take a different approach—she told a story. Jessica began the next team meeting by sharing her own experience working on a seemingly impossible project early in her career. She described the challenges her team faced, the moments of doubt, and the fear of failure. But she also shared how, through collaboration and perseverance, they succeeded in a way that no one expected. She wasn’t shy about admitting her mistakes along the way, but she emphasized the lessons learned and how those tough times shaped her into a better leader. The effect on her team was immediate. Jessica’s story humanized her, showing her vulnerability and resilience. Her team could see themselves in her story, recognizing that their own challenges were not insurmountable. Inspired by her experience, they became more engaged and motivated, and over time they completed the project with renewed enthusiasm. What made Jessica’s story so powerful? It wasn’t just a recounting of events, but a message of hope, determination, and shared experience. Her story wasn’t about perfection, but about progress and perseverance. That’s the essence of inspirational leadership: connecting with people on an emotional level and showing them a path forward. Storytelling allows leaders to bridge the gap between vision and action. Stories can communicate values, reinforce culture, and illustrate what success looks like in real, tangible terms. When leaders tell stories, they aren’t just sharing information; they are sparking imagination and planting the seeds of possibility in the minds of their teams. So, whether leading a small group or an entire organization, remember: storytelling is a powerful tool to inspire and uplift. After all, a well-told story can transform doubt into confidence, hesitation into action, and potential into success.