New learning tools can boost understanding and the capability to do difficult jobs

Educational systems and approaches to teaching need to be radically changed if people are to achieve their full potential. According to Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas “it is possible to transform school, higher, professional and lifelong education by making it easy for people to learn, increase their understanding, build their capability and solve complex problems.” His inaugural Kuwait Knowledge Partnership lecture set out how this can be achieved and gave examples of tools that have had a massive impact on understanding and performance in complex fields.

The Professor and author of Winning Companies; Winning People believes “Different people learn in different ways. Learning support tools can help people to overcome barriers to learning. The right tools use a variety of ways of making it very easy for people to quickly understand areas that have hitherto been considered too complex to comprehend. At school level they need to be designed to engage young learners, secure their attention and inspire their imaginations.”

Coulson-Thomas who is also a co-Founder of the Kuwait Knowledge Partnership believes, “Possession of information and knowledge does not of itself lead to understanding or the capability to do things. A new generation of learning and performance tools are enabling average people to excel in challenging roles by equipping them to adopt the approaches of their high performing peers.”

The Professor explains: “Within any community of knowledge workers and professionals whether teachers, engineers or doctors there are a small number of superstars and a long tail of OK people. The high performers are not necessarily cleverer or better educated. They just do the activity in question differently. The performance of others can be increased by making it easy for them to adopt these more effective approaches.”

The right tools can also stretch and develop high performers by freeing them of the more routine aspects of their roles, and enabling them to quickly search for better outcomes. Coulson-Thomas’ Winning Companies; Winning People research programme identifies critical success factors for a wide range of activities from winning business and building relationships to corporate learning and creating and exploiting know-how. Early adopters of tools based upon his approach have obtained returns on investment of over 20, 30 and 70 times within a year on the basis of just one or two of several possible measures of outcomes.

Coulson-Thomas believes education must also help people to be true to themselves. He argues: “Far too much education and training is focused upon helping people to address their weaknesses rather than build upon their strengths. With cost-effective ways of capturing and sharing what super star learners and high performers do differently, the payoff from encouraging people to excel at what they enjoy doing and do best can be enormous.”

The new generation of learning and performance tools the Professor champions can boost performance, speed up learning and other activities, and enable bespoke responses, while at the same time reducing risk, costs and stress and ensuring compliance. They have already been adopted by pioneering companies and are now in use in over 100 countries. Affordable tools can be developed for both teachers and learners, and the latest ones allow for automatic updating whenever users are on-line. Whereas some technologies can de-skill Coulson-Thomas advocates designing them so that people increase their competence and confidence each time they are used.

The implications of the new approach are far reaching. The Professor explains: “People can learn at a time and place of their choice, including when on the move as support can be provided via a laptop or the latest generation of mobile phone. The roles of teachers and trainers are changing from the transmission of information and knowledge to the facilitation of learning and the building of both understanding and capability.”

The new approach also supports the Kuwait Knowledge Partnerships aim of encouraging creativity. Coulson-Thomas feels “Most past education and training has equipped people with commodity knowledge. Training inputs have not led to intellectual capital outputs. In order to break new ground people need to be helped to go out in front. Building controls into learning and support tools means that people can be set free to discover, explore and innovate.”

Coulson-Thomas’ book “Winning Companies; Winning People” is subtitled “making it easy for average performers to adopt winning behaviours”. It sets out a new approach to helping people to understand complex areas and do difficult jobs and can be obtained from http://www.policypublications.com. It gives examples of how pioneering companies have used learning and support tools to increase understanding, build capability and boost performance.

Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas is an experienced director, consultant and educator. He has been a Faculty Dean and the Head of a University campus and is a fellow of seven chartered bodies. The author of over 40 books and reports, he has held professorial appointments in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, India and China, and helped over 100 organisations to improve director, board and corporate performance. He has spoken at over 200 national and international events in 40 countries, and can be contacted via http://www.coulson-thomas.com. His recent books and reports can be obtained from http://www.policypublications.com.

The Kuwait Knowledge Partnership is for the betterment of society and coming generations, and a sustainable future. It achieves this through knowledge-transfer between experts in Kuwait and the wider world, and aims to help young Kuwaitis to develop new thinking and a passion to achieve the highest standard of educational excellence and creativity. The inaugural lecture was delivered at the TIES Center in Kuwait City which promotes relations between westerners and Muslims through dialogue, friendship, and cultural-knowledge exchange.

AICA Education is offering students the opportunity to study in a dynamic and creative environment where they can develop their confidence, work skills and abilities to best prepare them for future employment prospects and make them valuable additions to employers. Additionally, AICA Education gives their students the opportunity to have industry experience in their chosen area of study.

Sam Shorter is one such student who is currently studying a diploma of Photoimaging at ACIA Education. During his first year of study, Sam was given the opportunity to work alongside professional photographers at the Inside Sport’s 2008 Modelsearch final on the Gold Coast. From this he gained invaluable experience learning about what it takes to organize and participate in large scale adventures with professionals with the added bonus of some of his photos being published in Inside Sport. The experience gave him the chance to balance his academic education at AICA with real-world experience. “Once I started my Photo imaging course at ACIA Education I was impressed at how hands on it was…In my first year of study I have had the opportunity to work and be published in magazines like Inside Sport as well as paid work with other companies. I have also made many life long industry contacts” he said.

“Hands on experience, smaller class sizes, experienced teachers and state-of-the-art student facilities are all part of the AICA Education experience. “My main reason for choosing AICA, apart from the other Universities and Tafes for my studies after High School was how practical and modern the courses at AICA Education seemed” said Mr. Shorter.

“Our teachers are all leading industry professionals with vast experience in many areas of the creative arts” said AICA Education College head Ruth Grosser. “At AICA Education we are passionate about ensuring our students have successful careers when they graduate. We ensure that we give all our students great training, small class sizes and the motivation to succeed” she said.

AICA Education has nationally recognized course and their full-time programs can provide advanced standing into University. AICA Education is currently accepting enrolments for the next intake starting in February 2010.

For more information call 07 55 320 042 or email info@acia.edu.au www.aica.edu.au

Professional bodies and the professions face a variety of pressures at a time when resources are stretched. A new white paper “Revitalising Professional Institutes and Associations” suggests a realistic and affordable way ahead that could benefit both the professions and the many members of the public they serve.

The white paper’s author Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas points out that: “The various professions impact upon just about all of us at many points in our lives. We use or benefit from their services on a daily basis. Starting from scratch and re-inventing a new form of professional organisation could be a mammoth and risky enterprise.”

The Professor has drawn upon his research to find a more effective way of undertaking the traditional activities of professional bodies and supporting professionals in the field. The new model of operation he advocates could simultaneously address multiple challenges and improve performance and standards.

Coulson-Thomas has investigated practical ways of capturing and sharing what top professionals do differently. He has found: “A new generation of support tools can provide practicing professionals with easy access to the information and knowledge they require and day to day support to help them to adopt the approaches of high performers when confronted with difficult tasks.”

Coulson-Thomas’ investigations have found: “Implementation is manageable, affordable and achievable within an acceptable timescale. Benefits include greater understanding, improved performance, reduced costs, quicker responses, less stress, higher standards and enforced and evidenced compliance.”

The Professor is convinced that: “Professional bodies can be revitalised to such an extent that the heyday of many of these institutions that originated in the Victorian age may be yet to come. They can be instrumental in creating a better future for their members and the wider public.”

The new white paper “Revitalising Professional Institutes and Associations” can be obtained from Cotoco. Examples of how support tools can be used to help average professionals to adopt the superior approaches of high performers can be found in ‘Winning Companies; Winning People’ by Colin Coulson-Thomas, which is available from http://www.policypublications.com.

Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas is chairman of adaptation, an active international adviser and consultant, and has served as Chairman and President of professional and representative bodies. He is the author of over 40 books and reports, and has helped over 100 organisations to improve director, board and corporate performance and spoken at over 200 national and international events in some 40 countries. He can be contacted via http://www.coulson-thomas.com

For immediate Release

White House Business Solutions

Mohammed Elyas

Tel: +91-44-25619000 / 9090

info@whitehouseit.com

http://www.ilearnsmart.com

Chennai, India, November 6, 2009 – One of the leading eLearning software solutions and IT company India – White House Business Solutions (WHBS) is released its rejuvenated corporate website to make it more attractive, user-friendly and SEO-friendly.

Some of the modifications in the WHBS Corporate IT site are listed below:

Improved, attractive and attention-grabbing colors

Easy readability and more informative content

Clear and intuitive categorization of offerings

Inclusion of Blogs

Newly added features in the WHBS site for SEO friendly are listed below:

Ease of website navigation from one page to other

W3C Compliance – HTML and CSS Validations

More appropriate keyword usage to provide our visitors with right information

Reduce the page loading time, so it quickly reach the users

Friendly with social networks such as Facebook, Linkedin, Blogger, Wordpress, Twitter, RSS and Youtube.

Most probably everyone wanted to ask Why WHBS changed his corporate website? The answer is very simple – to make the website more appealing, attract more users, and make our business more transparent.

About WHBS

WHBS is a multinational learning technology company having more than 1 million man-hours of experience in developing e-learning content and solutions for various educational institutions, enterprises and government organizations. Through the years of working various educators across the globe, WHBS has devised solutions and approaches that enhance students’ learning experience and education at large.

Website: http://www.whitehouseit.com

Toronto, ON ( PressReleaseRoom ) September 12, 2009  – JumboTests.com, a source for gmat practice problems has been reporting in their blog some of the notable changes occurring in the world of graduate standardized testing.

For one, a recent report shows that 51% of people who take the GMAT examination are outside of the United States. “China, Germany, Canada, Switzerland and the UK all experienced increases” reports Dave Wilson, the present of GMAC (the company responsible for the GMAT). The cause of this change is suspected to be the increasing instability of the global market. MBA Programs have become a haven for many American business students trying to ride out the current economy, and it seems they are becoming attractive internationally as well.

Not only is the GMAT becoming more popular internationally, it is also increasing in popularity overall. JumboTests notes a “7% (increase) over the previous year” which translates into 265,613 more participants. This increase has also increased the popularity of online GMAT practice tests .

While grad school hopefuls are taking the GMAT in droves, top business schools are looking for ways to make sure they’re getting the best students. To do this, many top MBA schools are accepting GRE scores in place of GMAT scores. According to JumboTests, “Harvard Business School announced it would be accepting GRE or GMAT scores from candidates … and other top schools such as Wharton (University of Pennsylvania), Darden (University of Virginia), Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the Sloan school of Management (MIT), quickly followed suit.”

With business schools accepting more test scores, and worldwide test registration increasing, it is imperative to perform well on these exams. If you’re signed up to take the GMAT you should look into free GMAT prep . Proper preparation could be what distinguishes you from the rest of the pack.

Contact:
JumboTests.com
Savvica Inc.
116 Spadina Ave. #701
Toronto, ON M5V 2K6
Email: john.green@learnhub.com
ph no: 416-363-9510

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West Hartford, CT ( PressReleaseRoom ) August 17, 2009 – Global Facilitator Service Corps (GFSC) today announced its next webinar which will be facilitated by Izzy Gesell, MS Ed, CSP on Sept.15th, 2009 at 4 p.m. PST, 7 p.m. EST, 23:00 GMT.  In this one-hour webinar, people will learn how to be more confident and positive, as well as reduce their stress level and change the way they think.

You’ll learn to change the way you look at things, so the things you look at change. You’ll be able to redirect your self-talk in a more confident, positive and effective direction. You learn tools to de-stress yourself, figure out what you can control  and manage the situation.

When you learn how to accentuate the positve, you’ll reduce anxiety and be more in control of your situation. After this webinar, you’ll be able to transform negativity into increased resilience to stress. For more information go to http://www.globalfacilitators.gven.tv/

Marieann Shovlin, Board Secretary of GFSC & Senior Associate at Center for Strategic Facilitation said, “After Izzy’s webinar, I can take a deep breath, focus on what I can control and get perspective to plan what I can do!”

An entertaining and enlightening keynote speaker, Gesell is an effective facilitator and a pioneer in using Improv for personal skill building, an author and presentation coach, as well as a CSP (Certified Speaking Professional). Izzy Gesell’s programs and books help people thrive and prosper during difficult, changing times. He is well known for his popular workshops (Finding The Eye Of The Storm: Maintaining Dynamic Balance During Changing Times); keynote presentations (The Power of Now: Living a More Effective, Spontaneous, and Confident Life through Improv Skills); books and CDs (Becoming Light-Hearted: Managing Stress Through Humor).

GFSC is expanding their use of web technology to involve and connect people from diverse locations, backgrounds and experiences.

GFSC is pleased to partner with GVEN.tv  to present this program. GVENtv is dedicated to helping organizations raise funds for their mission by presenting online training programs. You have a hidden resource in your supporters. From artists to teachers, speakers to meditation experts and coaches, and more, GVENtv can custom build a presentation that will generate much needed capital so you can reach your common goals. Visit us at http://www.gventv.org

About Global Facilitator Service Corps
GFSC tools and techniques help people and communities navigate through crisis and change, strengthening community resilience. Since 2003, GFSC has conducted workshops for experienced facilitators and community leaders in Asia, Australia, Europe, South America and North America (including Los Angeles and New Orleans).

Typically, GFSC operates with a small group who then shares what they have learned with an ever-expanding base of community members, increasing community resourcefulness.

The GFSC online library offers free manuals, articles and links to help community volunteers. GFSC collects and shares effective methods and materials, often collaborating with other experts and organizations to disseminate effective strategies.

GFSC, a nonprofit (501c3) organization, believes that people and communities around the world are capable of self-determination and is committed to enhancing local resources and skills to address current and future challenges. GFSC provides mentoring, methods and materials to strengthen community resilience in times of crisis and change.  For more information visit http://globalfacilitators.org.

Contact:
Global Facilitators
16746 SE Division Street #17
Portland. OR 97236
503-334-3763

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First India School of Business evolved from the need for a world class business school. Our founders- some of the best minds from the corporate and academic worlds- including alumni from IIMs, MDI and XLRI visualised the leadership needs of emerging India. They recognised that the rapidly changing business landscape would require young leaders with an understanding of evolving economies, but also with a global perspective. First India is committed to its role in creating such leaders through its innovative programmes, outstanding faculty and thought leadership.

• Unique two year extended internship.
• Global faculty.
• Affiliation to a leading Indian university.
• Academic tie-up with international institutions from UK and Australia.
• World class infrastructure.
• Not-for-profit organisation committed to education and nation building.

• MBA (Full Time)
• BBA (Full Time)
• MDPs & Executive Programmes

First India School of Business
NH-8, 36th Milestone, Hero Honda Chowk, Gurgaon-122001, India
Phone: +91 124 4500600 ,601, 4084463
Mobile: +91 9810552064
Website: www.fisb.in
Email: admissions@fisb.in
pallavi@fisb.in
info@fisb.in

A new treatment regime for children with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities has been developed by Snowdrop Child Development consultants. The treatment is called ‘neuro-cognitive therapy’ and is presented in the form of a programme, which families carry out at home for several hours per day. The principles behind neuro-cognitive therapy are two-fold. Firstly that children with developmental difficulties experience problems of sensory perception and need the provision of an appropriate ‘neurological environment in order to correct these sensory mis-perceptions. Secondly, learning can lead development and no matter how badly affected a child is, if information is presented at the correct level and in the correct manner, any child can learn.

The regime is the brainchild of Andrew Brereton, who himself was the father of a child who suffered profound cerebral palsy and autism. Unfortunately Andrew’s son passed away from a stroke four years ago, but during his life and afterward Andrew has striven to study and become qualified in the areas of child development and cognitive psychology. During his son’s life, Andrew gained his first degree in psychology and child development, later studying in the department of ‘Human communications sciences’ at the University of Sheffield, where he gained post graduate qualifications in ‘Language and Communication Impairments in Children.’ Latterly, Andrew gained his Msc in cognitive psychology and child development.

His son’s problems initially motivated Andrew to study as he became tired of the life of his family being controlled by doctors and therapists, who often did not appear to have much of a clue about treating his son. His aim was to amass the knowledge required to free his family from this control, so that they could question the professionals who were treating his son as equals and regain their independence. However, it soon became apparent to Andrew that his studies would become far more meaningful to him than this simple ambition and he began to nurture ideas about helping other children.

Andrew’s quest for knowledge led his family all over the world to various clinics who offered alternative treatments, often against the advice of his son’s medical professionals, some of whom treated the family badly, viewing the families decision to try alternatives as a threat to their competence. Despite the fact that some of the alternative treatments were helpful in helping his son make incredible developmental gains, for instance restoring his vision from being cortically blind, Andrew became disillusioned with many of the proponents of such alternatives after discovering their lack of qualifications in the field. It was at this point that he knew how he must use his own studies to help other children like his son.

Andrew launched Snowdrop earlier this year and has been staggered at the response from families who have children like his son. Within just a few short weeks of the launch Snowdrop is treating children from as far afield as the US, South Africa and Indonesia, in addition to treating children in the UK.

Andrew has also published two books, one on the subject of cerebral palsy and the other concerning autism, which can be obtained through the Snowdrop website on http://www.snowdrop.cc

Snowdrop can be contacted through the website or at the following address.
PO Box 85
Cullompton
Devon
EX15 1WP
Tel 01884 38447 (UK) or 44184 38447 (international)