Barry Westling

Patti, Being willing to improve, adjust, view oneself critically without being self-demeaning is really a demonstration of maturity and objectivity towards becoming a better instructor. It's always a work in progress, a journey (not a destination), and an experience that changes lives. Barry Westling

James, Good. I think the more we know about our students the better we're able to help them in their individual, special ways. Barry Westling

Linda, Students always appreciate knowing their status.I think one of the value added roles we can take on as instructors is making it a point to provide personalized, 1-on-1 discussions with our students. Instructors can provide more in-depth information than just static information on a page. We can also provide encouragement or related supportive help to assist motivating students to do a better job. Barry Westling

Tony, Yes, and students usually enkoy a past graduate because they can more easily relate to that person as "one of their own". Barry Westling

Shawn , I look at it like we are concerned about a stiudents learning. And part of that target is regualr sharing of information that informs the student how close to the target they have progressed. Barry Westling

Shawn , Right. Why spend time on material if students already possess it, when that that time could be better spent on another, equally important topic they need. It's about emphasis. Barry Westling

AnnaMarie, Yes, modifiying how instruction is provided help students meet the SLO's for a class. For me, SLO's define what the student will know at course completion, whereas the daily learning objectives define how the student will achieve them. Safely giving an injection may be an SLO for a nursing class, and all the steps involved in providing that instruction would be the daily objectives. Barry Westling

Shawn , True, and I feel we have to even create the goals (or vision) for some students along with achieving them. Some students may have only limited expecatations of what their education can provide them. Good instructors open up new horizons that students can aspire to achieve, then provide the education that makes it a reality. Barry Westling

Glenn, Making personal notations as to the time different topics take to teach is one of the dozens of benefits instructors can receive when the regularly use a journal. Those who say "I'll make a note of that later on" are more likely to either forget to do it, or at least, forget some details and therefore will not receive as much benefit. Barry Westling

Shawn , Credibilty can be a consequence for ill prepared instructors. Readiness will not assure credibility, but without good preparation, it may become an ellusive attribute that once lost, may be difficult to regain. Barry Westling