Thomas Martens

* I have been teaching students at university on public- and non-profit management,
* held seminars and master-classes at various fundraising-conferences in Germany,
* have done tuition to a world-wide audience of colleagues,
* taught kindergarten kids English
* presented project management, marketing and social studies to groups of retrainees,
* teaching how to apply for jobs and to train for interviews, assessment centres etc.
* coaching on the job

I like to draw on personal knowledge and use many examples of how the subject is relevant for the students. That way, I have found that the subject matter stays present for longer and leaves a more vivid impression.

I use all methods either suggested to me by the student or as I think it is the best way to bring the message across. Very often I will use PowerPoint presentations to visualize the subject. I also find that YouTube videos very often help to support what I'm trying to convey.

Humour also plays a big role in my lessons. A laugh lightens up (dull) aspects and will keep the students alert. Breaks with a short joke or a cartoon loosens up the situation and gives the light comic relief every lesson needs.

I try to be as individual as I can. If I'm teaching one to one that's no problem, but also in groups I always gauge who has not understood and make efforts to carry everybody along.

Lastly, I always include my students, giving them short questions to find out if they have understood what I've been teaching them. I encourage discussions.