What do you get when you put a trainer, actor and stand up comedian whose business clients include M&S and Mercedes-Benz in with a group of young people for an Event covering learning skills, confidence building and preparing for life beyond school?
Well, according to Tim’s previous clients, you get young people who are motivated, confident, aware of their learning styles and multiple intelligence strengths and who are capable of communicating successfully with the world of work.
And who enjoyed themselves in the process.
2009 finds Tim reflecting on his recent trip to India, where he worked alongside students and teachers observing the ‘Flat World’ first hand and has returned convinced UK teachers need to break some rules and get kids ready for life, not exams. For Tim's write up of his work in India for Independent Thinking click here.
Take one of the strings to Tim’s various bows – interview technique. Whereas a great deal of interview coaching in schools involves the ‘man from the local chamber of commerce’ getting cross because some of the students were mumbling, Tim’s approach includes headings such as:
- 7 seconds of impact - why you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
- Enthusiasm and energy - how work may require an altered mind-set from school.
- How to be a perfect fit - not being a square peg in a round hole
- Lessons from sales people - marketing yourself. Encouraging students to examine their merits and positive attributes they can offer to potential employers
- Self belief - if you don't believe in yourself why should they
- Building confidence - Looking at techniques for calming nerves and presenting oneself in the best possible way
- Walk, speak, look, sit! - subconscious messages. Exploring body language, eye contact, voice and status
Or there’s his innovative careers Events that use multiple intelligences to help young people better identify what they have to offer the world and what they would enjoy doing most.
After all, as Tim says, 'If you like doing something, you’ll work harder at it!'
He is also developing a reputation for getting some of the hardest-nosed teachers to incorporate drama and dramatic technique into their lessons and, as such, backs up a long-held belief by Independent Thinking that drama should be a part of every lesson, hitting so many learning and motivational buttons with so many children as it does.
Here are some recent comments from teachers following Events with Tim:
- I just wanted to say a massive Thank you to Indpenedent Thinking and Tim Benton for an absolutely brilliant staff development day
- Tim was personable, fun, comic, thought-provoking, informative - and extremely useful. He was inspiring through his energy, enthusiasm and passion for education and enriching lives. Excellent. Thankyou
- First class.... practical ideas to use in the classroom as well as being a generally inspirational day
- Your opening keynote really started the conferences with a bang - the content was so pertinent and relevant to our teaching assistants, everyone picked up on the vibe and we have never had one of our speakers receive a round of applause just for a comment made - the passion you have for learning rather than testing really hit the spot
Tim is currently making headlines with his Learn to Learn Events for both secondary and primary learners.
Here is what one satisfied client had to say about Tim's work:
- Thank you for providing us with Tim Benton for our Learning2Learn day last week. We were blown away by his presentation - it was exactly what we were looking for! The feedback from the Year 9 pupils has been very positive, not only did they find Tim entertaining and inspiring, they also told me he had given them lots of useful tips to help with their learning. Since Tuesday, I have already recommended Tim and your company to a number of people and I will certainly be using you again in the future!
So, whether it’s helping prepare young people to take their place in the world of work of the 21st century, teaching them how to learn quickly and effectively, giving them that all important motivational kick up the backside before their exams or working with staff to develop creativity and improved learning skills in the classroom Tim can help.
Tim's CRB number is 001191280370 issued 17th March 2008.
- For Tim's prices click here
- People who benefited from Tim have also enjoyed David Keeling
You can contact him through learn@independentthinking.co.uk or 0844 589 0490