Barry Westling

Traci, There is a lot of media available these days, we have to be selective in what choices will best convey what we want to emphasize. Part of the instructional process involves keeping attention, so adding variety is good, as it appears you are doing. And more different but topic-related material is bound to result in better student retention and understanding. Barry Westling

Elizabeth, Great summary! There's so much in our "hoped for goals and achievement" we want for our students. Skills and knowledge are among them. And soft skills are just as important, although many times not much time is allocated for instruction and practice. Utimately, getting students to "think on their feet" would be commendable, and can only come with tyraining and real world experience. Barry Westling

Elizabeth, I feel so off when the plan I have in my mind for the day is not ready by the time class begins. Actually, I like to arrive at least 30 minutes early, and even before that, I want to be sure everything I'll need is ready. That 30 minutes I commit to student attention as needed, answering questions, or just just chatting to connect and reinforce positive relationships. Students are more relaxed when they sense their instructor is relaxed and ready also. Barry Westling

Kimberly, Yes, we all have unique and diverse personalities. Common traits that all instructors can strive for include being approachable, honest, fair, good sense of humor, a display of willingness to help, and most important, exhibiting a genuine version of ourselves. Barry Westling

Alana, These are great examples. Pertinent, timely, can fill more or less time as needed, and they engage students. Barry Westling

Charlene, Yep, everyone learns a little differently. If you are able to mix up the testing methods, I'm sure you'll experience seeing an overall improvement in class performance. Barry Westling

Traci, Students like stories. Case studies, work examples, past mistakes, lots of different names, but it's interesting that a student will remember something from a story (but may not remember the same point made in a lecture). Barry Westling

Tessie, Good point. It reminds me that sometimes the instructor learns of their need to make adjustments in the delivery of course material. Barry Westling

Dan, Right. It doesn't take much. Class has more meaning when a students feels it's personal, and the instructor cares about their success. Barry Westling

Wendy, Instruction is so dynamic, the place for progress or improvement discussion is just as important as the delivery. Students like when they feel they can receive class information with advice, counsel, and/or encouragement. Barry Westling