Barry Westling

Hi Ali: In an online environment, it's frequently said that each post or response ought to end by asking another question. True or not, engaging students with one another is a dynamic method to keep attention, stay on topic, exchange pertinent and relevant ideas, and openly critique responses while providing encouragement and support for the individual expression. Indirectly, students can feel empowered when they have the courage to speak up and their action validated (not necessarily their viewpoint). For me, it is so inspiring when I see students begin to model my interactive delivery style and model it. When I… >>>

Hi Ali: You've hit on one tremendous learning principle and that is the involving students in their own learning. It sounds like you're facilitating instruction more providing the instruction. This is a higher and more meaningful way to approach teaching in today's society, as many students are wanting more independence and appreciation for the work they do. "Being all things to all persons" would be one way to categorize the variety needed to interact with the diverse populations of students, generational differences, and higher employer expectations for the graduate. Quite a challenge, but better teachers embrace the territory with competence… >>>

Hi Ali: Really, just being willing to put aside my standard "process" for instructing" in favor of individualizing my instruction with each student is one way of being student centered. This can also be veiwed from the students perspective: trying new methods, commiting to doing all assignments, seeking tutoring, asking questions, exploring more than the facts but also the behind the scenes of why and where. Critical thinking. In both perspectives (teachers and students), thelearning outcomes are bound to be more meaningful and beneficial to the student as rthey apply their knowledge in the work setting. These will be the… >>>

Hi Jean: Relying on past classes is what they call experience. You know what has worked and has not worked. Sometimes I accidently stumble onto something that's wonderful and I adopt it for regular use. I like trial and error, and sometimes it's a hit and miss. Student feedback also provides information about content. In my profession, it's very dymamic and things are changing with new instrumentation, technology, terminology, and practice standards. Content has to be up to date. Being willing to try new methods of delivery, better ways to convey important concepts, is essential for growth as an instructor… >>>

Hi Jean: My understanding of myself includes my abilites to deliver material, handle questions, prepare, natural vs teacher persona, leadership and class management, recognizing my learning styles and those of students. All of these are merged together when relating and communicating with my class. I try to be honest and sincere, accurate and realistic, provide a relaxed and cxalm environment, and maintain control over the class while giving the student the freedom express opposing viewpoits. What's good is being able to channel all of this seamlessly in into a sequenced learning session. The more I understand myself and my limitations,… >>>

Hi Jevaris: Sometimes things like this work out quite wonderfully. In my program, I review college transcripts, GPA's, and make admission decisons in part because of this information. We also use several profession specific test. Sometimes, I'll have a student who based on transcripts and GPA would appear to be top of their class. Yet, the testing reveals very poor retention, often enough to deny or postpose an admission decision. This tells me that although they have been exposed to much education, it has not benefited them very much. So I guess it can go both ways. So it would… >>>