My Philosophy of Education: Learning is a slow process of engagement with ideas.

I teach business subjects. Business education is, by its nature, practical. The goal is to provide tools for dealing with the world of commerce.

My philosophy of business education aligns with my philosophy of leadership and management. My students are working adults in various stages of their careers. They are seeking knowledge to make them more valuable and increase their opportunities.

My job is to deliver tools and techniques that they can use now and continue to develop.

Each student is unique. They deserve a stimulating educational environment.

My goal is to help them gain confidence in their abilities. I provide an environment that challenges them and is well-calibrated to their level. I am sensitive not to overwhelm them with information. That is the Goldilocks balance that I strive to achieve.

I intend to inspire my students to do their best and to work harder than they think they can.

I desire to create an atmosphere where students can meet their full potential.

Discussions provide a safe environment where students can share their ideas. It is essential to talk about what they are learning and write reflectively about it. Written discussions are crucial.

Context and application are vital. Relating to past experiences internalize their lessons and help make them stick.

The goal is to make what we learn part of ourselves.

Learning is a slow process of engagement with ideas. Lessons work through engagement and repetition. Over time, the interaction builds to a critical mass, and the student internalizes the idea.

“We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.”

John Dewey

Learning a new subject can feel overwhelming. I try to provide context for why students are learning things, how they are relevant to their goals, and how they will be useful in the future.

The teacher’s role is to act as a guide. Students need access to hands-on activities and the opportunity to practice skills. Technology can provide access to quality educational opportunities.

Group assignments act as a low-risk laboratory for practicing the soft skills of navigating team dynamics.

I encourage explaining what they have learned to friends and family as a relevant way to cement what they learn. A test of understanding is the ability to explain things clearly.

I hold myself to this standard and write to clarify my ideas on business subjects. I have written more than twenty books on the business subjects I teach.

The goal is to help students get skill sets that will serve them in being successful.

To be successful in Business and Finance requires an action-oriented mindset. My goal in business education is to be a catalyst for transforming learning into understanding and understanding into action.

I have learned many things from my teachers and from friends. And I have learned even more from my students.

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