Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Patrick: If I can paraphrase what you've written, the instructor needs to know what they are personally passionate about while balancing that passion with keeping emotional interests to a minimum. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Patrick: Field trips, if possible are probably one of the MOST interesting methods to keep student morale up in the learning environment. This is especially true if you're visiting a place that will be similar to what the student wants to do in their career. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Angela: Right - and instructors can keep in mind what the student may do with that information in the future. This is especially helpful if the student is learning something they will use in their careers. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Angela: Additionally, the instructor may have the chance to see what kind of student learner they have so they can make the best lesson plan. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Angela: Exactly, and allows the student the chance to make corrections in study habits. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Patrick: Student-centered learning is very much as you describe it. The approach you're describing keeps the doors of communication open between student and instructor. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Daniel: You are right on - letting students know of their progress is paramount to that student's long term success in the class. By doing so, it allows the student the chance to make corrections in study habits. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Jolyn: That's awesome! Another consideration may also be that knowing what you're passionate about can help you convey that passion to your students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Marshall: Right! We've all probably had an unprepared instructor before. Sometimes, that can unintentionally convey that the instructor does not care about the student. What a problem that could create! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Jane: Instructors who are enthusiastic and passionate about a topic will convey that enthusiasm to their students. This type of passion may help motivate students who are still questioning if they want to take the class! Regards, Barry