Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Doretha, Right. Also, students seem more willing to ask questions - both of their guide for the field trip, and of me. I think when students begin to spontaneously ask questions because their curiosity about their potential work setting has been stimulated, we have achieved a terrific milestone in our learning goals for them. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Bev, I think my students really enjoy the field trip experience. Often I will see students become much more enthusiastic and excited about their studies as a result of a meaningful field trip. For some, it has become a wake up call to begin to buckle down and get more serious about their studies. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Herman (Lonnie), So true. Some students these days have so much chaos going on in the backside of their lives, getting all the support and encouragement from their instructors provides the only structure and organized plan for their successfulness, both in school and in their personal lives. Keeping them informed may give them the needed boost they need. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

David, This is good. It is a challenge to provide both effective ionstruction and continuous feedback about status in the course, yet that is needed. Our radar needs to be tuned in to each student, and we need to be ready to be proactive with students who need assitance early on. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Annette, For me, I believe every student has their own unique way of learning, and as you say, adapting to how each one learns, or at least finding a way to reach students where they are is a worthwile effort given the outcomes I want to see for every student. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

David, Sounds like a great target to shoot for. For me, I believe attaining my goals for my students is an every day requirement, otherwise I fall short on my personal expectations, and student learning may suffer as the result as well. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Heather, I've found this generation is more difficult to work with soft and professional behaviors, yet it's important, and students have to realize the importance these traits are and their place in the students education, in preparation for solid and sustained employment. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

David, Confidence n the instructor is important. Any instructor who fails to prepare is preparing to fail. Our job reqiures preparation and students expect that. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Meagan, I think whenever students know where they stand in a class, it provides momentum to either keep trying to maintain, work a little harder to improve, or take needed suggestions in order to pass the course. In any event, we can always offer our support and encouragement while discussing performance. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Meagan, Great technique. Studies show that by teaching a class (or a segment) students learn best. Talking head lecturing is the least beneficial way for students to learn. Barry Westling