Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Laura: I think the more frequent and eraly on we speak to students, the better. This gives us a chance to connect, encourage, and also time for the student to make coorections and see it reflected in their grade. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hey Kevin: Back up plans are really just extensions or supplements to your regualr lesson plans. Thinking of your lessons this way gives a lot of lattitude regarding presentation timing, sequencing, and sense of the class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Joseph: Good sentiments. My peice is preparing them academically and with the skills they need, along with the knowledge about the workplace expectations and settings. Together, students should be prepared well for graduate-workers. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Carol: Right, customizing to the individual student reaches more attention, focus, and student retention of key information than expecting students to come up (or down) to the level where the teacher is. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Mary: When we stay student centered, we are putting the students need to learn above our systems of grading, delivery and presentation, and testing in favor of the individual student (there learning style, special needs, etc.). Customizing as much as possible would be one way of stating it. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Karen: Keeping information sharing frequent and early-on will help students both in their understanding of what needs to be done, and allows enough time for correction in order to make a difference in the grade. We can also offer our caring, encourgement, and support early on as well. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Michael: If you do this every module, that's terrific!. Both guest speakers and field trips provide benefits not easily matched. They provide students with a glimpse of aspects of their chosen profession, and that may inspire student to begin to try harder in class as a result. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Terry: When I am confident in who I am and what I can (and can't) do, it makes for better student learning outcomes. I may brach out a little in my less strong suits, but only a little at a time. This adds growth and maturity to my teaching, and clarity to knowing myself. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Karen: Good use. I do that too. I also pretest whenever I am uunsure at what level my students are performing at. It does a great job of helping me put emphasis where needed. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Karen: Goals for education are many. One part is getting them ready academically and with the skills the'll need. Another aspect is the wisdom, experience, and training the teacher has obtained. Together, these give the student a well rounded readiness for their chosen field. Regards, Barry