Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

David, Right. A good way to look at it is through the lens of an employer. They expect their worker to have the skills, knowledge and thinking ability to be effective on the job. Preparing students for this purpose is a good target to shoot for. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Kari, True, students can acquire the traits their instructors convey, both good and bad. Being ready with an appropriate daily lesson, prepared to answer student questions and assist with learning the material, and providing a welcoming atomsphere for learning will contribute to students approach to their studies and forward into their work setting. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Sona, I've never had a field trip where students appeared uninterested. Besides doing something different from the routine, getting information from another source about something for which they are training is always beneficial and worthwhile. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Carl, Whatever works for you and your course is great. We want to be sure we measure learning, and as long as that occurs, the grading system is fine. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Alison, That's great. Unless someone spends time to document, record and memorialize class events, they probably can't appreciate the value and personal satisfaction an instructor can receive from journalizing. Similar to an older photograph, journal entries can give a picture of how one thought about things, viewed issues, or made decisions. Can be very interesting and beneficial. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Douglas, We just want to be fair and realistic when awarding student grades. Your process seems reasonable and appropriate. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Karla, Reviews are always a good back-up activity. I've found that material previously covered can always be reviewed over and over again, as rarely is a student able to retain all they need to know in one sitting. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Karla, Winging it just doesn't make it these days. Adult learners want and expect fully competent, mature instructors who can assist them get job ready. Anything less will probably be received as not so good. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Douglas, Right. Low tech. Also something related to the topic, something that can be pulled off the shelf and implemented quickly, and interesting and meaningful for the students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Funmilola, Yes, it's a constant work in progress. And unless an instructor wishes to remain stagnant, striving for better performance will always be a duty we have to ourselves as instructor. Barry Westling