Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Nancy, Super!. Variety does keep interest and classes more enjoyable. Of course, more media selections contribute to a fuller student learning experience, better retention of information, and effective engagement of students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Nancy, Right! There's nothing like that feeling we get when we have everything together, materials gathered, lesson ready, and anxious to get started. Anticipation of giving a great lesson produces an exciting energy that students pick up on, and they welcome it. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Tanya, These kinds of attention to details are noticible to students, even if they never say anything. They'll know you are prepared and maybe learn a lesson about their own level of preparedness. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Richard, I agree and think feed back from students, peer instructors, supervisors and even family members are fit to provide a least a partial picture of how one presents themselves to the public. Probably never able to please everyone, but willing to and working towards constant improvement will produce improved effectiveness in every case. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Tiwauna, Like a journey, students need feedback regarding how close to their destination they are. Feedback also gives an opportunity to offer our support and encouragement, as well as advice and suggestions for improvement (if needed). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Tiwauna, Right. The main benefit to pretesting is the instructor will learn where to place the emphasis for their class in order to provide the best learning opportunities to achieve the most effective learning outcomes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Khouloud, Good points. I think if an intructor is willing to assess for weaknesses, make improvements, and be flexible about their outlook regarding class delivery methods, they'll make continuous progress, and students will benefit from their efforts. Students will see (over time) their instructor cares and is interested in the students success. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Tiwauna, These are great attributes that students will hopefully attain. Beyond skills, knowledge, and performance, getting students to the point where the can think critically, on their own, beyond what we may have been able to present in class is an ability that, if possessed, can help them not only in their job, but also in their personal and private lives. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Tiwauna, Right. When we present a prepared and organized appearance, classes run smoother, students have better respect and attention for the class, and there is a better opportunity for student learning oiutcomes to be met. Besides, this our job to be prepared! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Ron, Measuring progress towards the (successful) end of a journey is part of the instructional process. For me, I think frequent and early on discussion are best, as they allow for identification of needs, time for correction, and continued hope for the student. Hopeless situations are difficult to generate much motivation. Barry Westling