Barry Westling

Deborah, Often there is stuff that happens that is beyond our control and rather than wasting time, having good back-up plans can be a lifesaver. Good plans may even be implemmented and the students would not even know something different is being used. Barry Westling

Judy, This is a good anaogy, similar to an orchestra leader who is controlling many different facets of activity at a given time in order to make smooth, seamless outcomes occur from the synchronized coordination of the curricular delivery process. Barry Westling

Deborah, I think you've got a point about students being nervous when their instructor is unsettled, which can happen when lack of preparedness or resources needed for class are missing. Besides it being our job to be ready, being confident about a lesson because we taken time to plan, gather resources, and have an awesome game plan for a lesson will make a difference in student's attitude and attentiveness. Barry Westling

Scott, I agree giving students enough time to make corrections in their studies is very important. In a way, students should be responsible to track their own progress. But there's no reason we can't do all we can to assist them, especially if it means passing a class or not. Barry Westling

Scott, Great. A good back up plan is one that, when called into action, serves the instructor and students effectively and efficiently. Failure to plan is planning to fail, so back up plan limit those occassion when seemingly nothing is going as planned. So, off we go to plan-B. Barry Westling

Scott, I believe if we meet the individual course objectives (and program and institutional objectives), we will have prepared our students with the skills, knowlege and professional behavior that will be consistent with successful job and career as well an improved personal life for the student anf their faily or loved ones. Barry Westling

Scott, I agree the field trip is an awesome experience and the more we can get these kind of real world activities incorportaed into our planned cuuriculum, our students will benefit. Similar for guest speakers as well. Students often feel at ease asking pointed questions top guests that they may not feel comfortable asking their instructor. Barry Westling

Jenny, Touch seems like a primary learning sense in your classes, massage therapy. As students, learning the theory, skills, knowledge, and expertise needed for successful employment in the massage work setting can be enhanced with awareness of the power that multiple senses create when providing instruction. Creativity using the senses will improve the students retention of key and essential information. Barry Westling

Amy, I like that as we teach students to be more aware of their senses they can improve their learning. Certain senses are essential to teach a particular skill. However, I believe all our senses can be used to enhance memory, retention of information, and of course recall and application of learned material. The example I use is the power of a scent that when smelled immediately brings to mind a past memorable experience. Barry Westling

Nancy, I like that student self evaluation activity. That would seem to offer a glimpse how the student see their performance giving the instructor the opportnity to provide accurate information. I imagine there may even be times when a student writes something the instructor completely overlooked - what a great chance to be able to comment or recognize good work or a worthy effort or a responsible reaction to the need for additional study in a particular area. Barry Westling