Barry Westling

Harrison, We can be better instructors when we know something about our students, and pretesting is among the methods that can supply some of that knowledge. Barry Westling

Eric, I think enthusiasm and motivation are great attributes to cultivate. Besides the technical aspects of a job, employers will be very satisfied with employees who demonstrate these qualities consistently while on the job. Barry Westling

Eric, Right. Student want order and need direction. An organized class facilitates better instruction. Barry Westling

Paul, How fun! This reminds me of the "crafts time" I loved doing as kid in grade school. At it's root, this activity (and thousands like it) incorporates almost all of the senses so retention will be improved. Also, as a backup plan, it was current, topical, easy to implement, and enjoyable for the students. This is how I would describe any good back up plan. Barry Westling

Paul, This was an interesting comment. In truth, we are all unique versions of ourselves, not another quite like us. And with that comes the need to understand deeply, internally, where we are awesome, and where a weaker side of us hides. The hidden part is ripe for cultivation and is often a lifelong, continuous process towards improvement, if we are willing to be open to discovering it, recognizing it when it is found, and be willing to work towards self improvement. Barry Westling

Robert, It's been said "talking is not teaching" and also, "teaching has not occurred if students have not learned". I try to remember these axioms when I feel I need to convey new or difficult ideas to students, especially in topics that have proved difficult in the past. Barry Westling

Michael, I take the premise students are in my class to learn and I am there to teach. To give away unearned points that don't measure learning just seems unfair to students who diligently work hard for their grades. For me, I just chose not to give it (and my institution does not promote the notion either). Barry Westling

John, Questioning is a great way to get students back on track. It engages them, provokes thought, and requires they pay attention. Usually just a little nudging along these lines is enough to re-focus off task students. Barry Westling

John, I agree that the publisher supplied PPT's are really like abbreviated outlines of the chapters and really do little good to help teach new material. I feel that's what we're there for. PPT is a tool and has a specific purpose. Some tools work better in some settings than others. Mixing it up (like you describe) is much better to reach students when presenting new material. Barry Westling

Harrison, Many times our classes are in preparation for work in a specific job setting. I feel like classes we provide will directly or indirectly pertain to that ultimate job setting, so insuring we give the requisite skills, knowledge, and professional readiness for success at work can be realized. Barry Westling