Barry Westling

Thomas, Great. Good instructors should be able to provide a comprehensive learning model while reaching individuals at different learning levels. It takes work, effort and time, and that's partly what we're paid to do. Barry Westling

Thomas, When classes meet day after day, I find a good way to keep interest is to keep a constant focus on the work setting they're being trained for. When I introduce a topic, I precede it with why what we're about to discuss is important to them in the work setting. Thoughout the discussion, I will make reference to how this can be useful to them. I believe when students believe there is something valuable to them, the'll pay attention. Barry Westling

Kathy, Serious college level students have to be able to allocate time outside of class for reading, digesting information, and reading and studying their notes in order to grasp what's discussed and applied in the classroom and/or lab. Too often students do poorly if the only focused attention is when they are in class. As you point out, there is usually just too much information to master to be covered in class alone. Barry Westling

John , This is great that you make "on-the-fly" adjustments. This is actually a version of student cenetered learning, a topic that is included in this module. Barry Westling

Thomas, From an employer standpoint, being capable workers with the requisite knowledge and skills is desirable, along with having critical thinking abilities along with soft skills that make getting along in the workplace successful. Making a significant contribution is certainly an admirable personal goal that individuals can obtain if they have a prepared mind and are rightly motivated. Barry Westling

Thomas, Yes, students will appreciate and be open to an instructor who appears enthusiastic, energetic and upbeat. Passion about a topic is very contagious. Barry Westling

Ronnie, As role models, preparation does help set the stage. And I think students expect thier instructors to always be ready, prepared, and "there" for them with answers, suggestions, advice, and the benefit of our experience. Barry Westling

Kathy, Yes, we make good impressions with preparation. Really, students expect their instructors to be ready for each and every class, and when we aren't, that's when the instructor's credibility begins to falter. Barry Westling

Thomas, Yes, credibilty can be reinforced when a good guest speaker complements information their primary instructor has stated. And I like how the guest speaker can also add a slightly different spin or perspective to a topic, especially when the students understand that information can be useful to them in the work setting they're training for. Barry Westling

Jimin, Discussing performance is like steering students on a journey closer to their destination. Clarifying where adjustment, improvement, or emphasis is needed is ually appreciated by students. Barry Westling