Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Denise: These real life scenario's sound good. Students like stories, and you can always keep the students attention while sharing information they might use at some point in time. Good back up plans can be initiated with little preparation, are relative to the general topic, and are very low tech. They're great for that one "awful" day when nothing is going as planned or circumstances prevent you from carrying out your plan. That's when the benefit will be appreciated! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Erika: Good reflection. I think the benefit of understanding ourselves is it helps us become better teachers through improved effectiveness, more productive, more creative, and more tolerant and patient with students. Our skills and abilties are increased, and our willingness to experiment with new ideas is broadened. Ultimately our students are the benefactors of our self awareness and focus as individuals. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Erika: Some students may see the degree of preparation of the teacher and emulate it. Others seem to just see the instructor as a vehicle to give and grade assignments. Good preparation can help prevent the latter. Putting in the time and effort, thought and planning, and gathering the media, resources, and materials needed for the lesson make the class run smoothly, in a clam and relaxed manner, and that make for a more enjoyable and interesting class - that makes it memorable. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Jean: Good point. I think awareness, focus, and understanding are lifetime evnets with no end point. So however I can take note of what makes me better, I want to do that activity. The students benefit, and I grow with more understanding, focus, and self awareness. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Carl: I think your technique is great. Reengaging really is just getting the students attention. You'll get that if students value what you're teaching, can see something in it for them, or can relate it to the world of work they're being prepared for. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Carl: Yes, and if done at the beginning of a class, there can be changes to where the course emphasis will be and avoid wasting a lot of time on unneeded attention. Of course, all the course objectives have to be covered, but pretesting can shorten the span between how much time is spent on a subject if the students are already familiar some of the material. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi James: Really true. As we strech and improve, our ability to be more effective and productive also increases. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Diana: Good thoughts. Self awareness and understanding is not finite and really is a lifelong pursuit. Better teachers will be willing to constantly improve. But as improvement occurs, we become more sensitive and tuned in to our students. Really, they make us better people and teachers if we learn from the dynmaic approach of day-to day dealing with multiple personalities, learning styles, diversities, motivations, needs, and creativity, to name but a few. I've improved in being honest and sincere, more my natural self. I've learned tolerance and patience, attriibutes not naturally abundant for me. I'm a better person because… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hector: Wow, knowing who we are, how we respond and react, what drives us and what drives us crazy - these are so important, and individuals that have attained a degree of comprehension is in a good place, especially as a teacher. I say a degree because truely, this is a lifelong experience where improvement can always occur and we can be better at what we do if we are willing to be open to the teachings and challenges relating to students needs and diversity. Reagrds, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Gary: Experience is certainly a good teacher. If we are willing and open, our experiences can contribute to better instructional methods and approaches to our classes, our students, and teaching abilities. Doing something repeatedly that fails to reach students is not helpful. Some methods that can improve our effectiveness may include feedback, peer review, classroom observations, instructional guideleines, college policy and procedure, and most importantly, communication. When these and other techniques are applied in a well written course that has solid student learning outcomes and course objectives, the communication and feedback elements begin to illuminate where an instructor is… >>>