I recently read that teaching institutions are training teachers to be the “guide on the side” rather than the “sage on the stage.” “Guide on the side” instruction facilitates active learning–engagement of the learner as an active participant in the learning process. Providing meaning and purpose for learning is a strong component of this teaching philosophy. Too often, instructors just deliver information, and although the information is current and pertains to the industry, it fails to connect the dots for the students.

When I think back to the education classes that have been the most beneficial to me, I realize they fit the “guide on the side” model. When was the last time you left a real estate education class and said to yourself, “Wow! That was the best class I have attended”? When was the last time you left knowing what to change in your business to apply the information you learned?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about Arizona continuing education classes you’ve attended.  How many classes have you attended that had a “guide on the side?”

{ 2 comments }

An Introduction to RPR

by Kelley Koehler on August 17, 2010

Did you get an email to take a survey from AAR last week?  I did!

And like a good little member, I completed the survey.  However, there were some descriptions on there that were kinda phrased oddly, and some questions I didn’t really understand, especially where I was asked to differentiate between a statewide MLS and some other options.

One thing mentioned on the survey that I felt wasn’t well explained was RPR.  Have you heard of RPR? [click to continue…]

{ 5 comments }

Data Sharing – It’s Out There…

August 13, 2010

Yesterday, AAR’s statewide data sharing consultant, Kevin McQueen, sent out a new survey to all AAR members.  When the results come in, we should know which MLSs people are using, which ones they want to use and how they feel about issues like compensation/cooperation, public-facing websites, etc.  His survey also tests interest in three different [...]

Read the full article →

Impact of Fires & Floods on Transactions in Escrow

August 10, 2010

AAR General Counsel Michelle Lind and Risk Management Specialist Jan Steward have put together an article on the impact of wildfires and floods on transactions in which AAR’s residential resale purchase contract has been executed, but escrow has not closed. Here’s an excerpt for your reading pleasure:
Can either party cancel the Contract if the property [...]

Read the full article →

Three zipForm® Secrets!

August 9, 2010

As a certified zipForm® instructor who has taught this wonderful member benefit program to thousands of agents over the last five years, I have discovered that I use many features as a practicing REALTOR® that a surprising number of agents don’t know about.
Though there are many things I could go over here, as I actually [...]

Read the full article →

What’s the Fuss about Foreclosures?

July 29, 2010

Have you been thinking about pursuing foreclosures as listings? Well, you’d better think twice!
In the unlikely event that your new foreclosure listing has somebody living in it, you may have to deal with the “Cash for Keys” program. Some companies will overnight you the money…others won’t. This can be the beginning of your cash output.

Read the full article →