Barry Westling

Gary, Another aspect of preparation is that when prepared, we have the ability to be effective in our instruction and achievement of learning objectives our students need. Barry Westling

Mary, I think anytime we can acquire special knowledge about students, we can use it to assist our students in their learning journey. Pretesting can often provide us with that information. Barry Westling

Bev, Good rationale for determining what works best for you. Barry Westling

Heather, I have a deck of cards with names of students scotch taped to them. I can shuffle them and draw groups or couples, or whatever combination I need, and the randomness of it creates interesting partnerships. Barry Westling

Tatiana, Students will appreciate and respect an instructor they feel is prepared, oirganized and knows their material. We want them to feel like they are in the midst of someone who can help them with their studies, in their journey to job readiness. Barry Westling

Mary, I agree that we serve as a role model of sorts. Mainly, we have to demonstrate the competence and confidence to students to convey they are safe in our hands as we guide them in their studies. Barry Westling

Bev, I think a great way to begin ongoing classes is to begin with a quick review of the previous period material. I think instructors know what they want to do and accomplish, but students are often lost in the maze of information. We can help them by providing a compass of "here is where we're at". Barry Westling

Naomi, Some students begin to visualize themselves in their potential work setting, and this can be a very "time to get serious" moment. Barry Westling

Megan, Good points. The classroom and our students make for a very dynamic environment. Providing the daily course information and materials does require we map out all we want to do beforehand, expecting that things will lkely change a bit as we move along. Yes, a good back-up plan is essential as our plans can get sidetracked by all sorts of interruptions, and by planning for changes we can seamlessly move from one topic or activity or another in stride. Barry Westling

Megan, Yes, and the best way to look prepared is to be prepared. Taking time, effort and planning for each class pays divideneds in terms of appreciation, trust and respect from students. Failure to do so can result in less than desirable results. Barry Westling