Barry Westling

Todd, Very true, when a student understands, you can ask nearly any relevant question and they will be able to reason out a likely answer -- that's a good indication of learning. Barry Westling

Todd, I think we all have traits that make us better instructors. I suggest that most instructors will have areas that can be improved upon, and really that will be an ongoing, work in progress for most. But the results from working to improve will yield dividends for the students. Barry Westling

Mindy, Sounds like a plan. My goal (and hope) is all my students recognize they need to be ready to help their employer in their larger mission. And the way to that involves knowledge and skills, professionalism, critical thinking, and courtesy. These traits, along with flexibility to adapt to changes in the workplace will assure a greater chance for long term employment. Barry Westling

Mindy, I agree and believe that every instructors who realizes they can teach to their strong suits, and recognize there will always areas that can be improved on will be more successful, approachable, patient, and knowledgeable instructors who recieve the respect, trust and credibility from their students. We start out, based on what we know, but students relate to us based on how well we can help them in their paths to job readiness. Barry Westling

Christine, Yeah, it's a great feeling when we know we have all resources, materials, and lesson plan needed for a full class session. More opportunity for creativity and student interaction is likely as a result as well, because the students can sense their instructor is ready for business. Barry Westling

Dona, I like to make grade sharing a personal interaction to help build trust, credibility, and respect. Giving advice along with support and encouragement helps reinforce that we care, and that everyone is one the same page. Barry Westling

Manuela, Feedback from the instructor is needed if students expect to know where they stand in the class, what improvements are needed, any advice the instructor can provide, and of course support and encouragement. Barry Westling

Manuela, I agree, students like games (and stories). I can nearly always capture attention and refocus students by interjecting some version of one of these strategies. Learning can be fun and interesting. Barry Westling

Eugene, Sometimes students just zone out for a host of reasons (ill, tired, bored, unprepared, don't care, distracted, day dreaming, etc). Our chore is to keep the class flowing, lively and interesting, and making sure we cover all the needed material. I'm not saying this is easy, but it is our job. Barry Westling

Manuela, Making needed adjustments suggest a responsible classroom leader is at the helm. Students want THEIR needs met and THEIR learning styles catered to. I want them to learn, so if that means doing something a bit different from my comfort zone, I want to be able to transition to it, and I want to be able to do it well. Barry Westling