Air Force Institute of Technology Promotes Innovation, Education with a Twist.

The Services Management Department at the Air Force Institute of Technology educates Air Force officers and civilians working in management positions within Services organizations throughout the world. Last year 237 students, in 10 courses ranging from one to six weeks each, learned how to be better recreation professionals and leaders. The courses include Services Initial Skills, Services Advanced Course for flight chiefs, Services Leadership Course for commanders and directors, Services Combat Support, and Mortuary Affairs.

Education in the AFIT Services `school house' is anything but your traditional lecture-style. "We'll use whatever techniques are needed to help insure the education is effective and that learning is both fun and stays with our students," according to department head, Major Brian Blankenship. Some of the techniques used include scavenger hunts, mystery shopper exercises, and Jeopardy-style test reviews. Captain Justin Hall, one of the faculty members in the department states, "Students get bored with traditional teaching styles. I like to provide top notch education with a flare of entertainment!" In Capt. Hall's `Positively Outrageous Service' lesson he uses guest appearances from a silent chef, an Amish masseuse, and a clown in full costume.

In addition to entertainment in the classroom, the faculty also uses techniques to engage students while attaining curriculum goals. Use of panel discussions, computer labs, student debates, case studies, field trips, team building, Olympic-style games, team-teaching, small-group interactions, and group projects help students to learn collaboratively, a must in today's workforce where mutual exchange is paramount. "The more I can facilitate students teaching each other, the better. Ultimately, they learn more," says Capt. Matt Tramonte, AFIT Services Department faculty member.

To teach cutting-edge information to Service professionals, the department brings in subject matter experts from around the world. Some courses bring in as many 20 guest speakers with unique skills and experiences. Students then translate the education into real-time solutions for challenges they face at their installations.

Student critique grades have risen since the department started using innovative teaching designs and techniques two years ago. There is lots of creativeness being used in the classroom and, most importantly, the school doesn't lose sight of its mission: To provide top-quality education to Air Force Service professionals.