Barry Westling

Danielle, Field trips can also be very inspiring. I have seen marginal students get real motivated after going on a field trip, and that event alone turned them around and they became very committed to their studies. Barry Westling

Chad, Great. Not all instructors see value in the pretest. You do, as do I, and many others, in their pursuit of assisting students do the best they can in their studies. Barry Westling

Richard, Wonderful examples of the use of senses and the creative methods instructors can implement in their classes when there is a desire to do so. Barry Westling

John, I agree being open where students feel they can freely discuss things with their instructor is an important trait. Some students (not all) look to their instructor for guidance, advice, and support. The personal connection an open instructor can create can be a significant partictipant in the students education. Barry Westling

Lawrence, Yeah, time is hardly ever on our side. Preparedness and organization are key factors to maximize the resources (time, human, media, facilities) that we have available to us. Barry Westling

Jorge, I think you have a good approach. Students are usually always more responsive when they find material interesting, and one way to do that is by relating stories. Students like stories. These can be examples, past good and bad experiences, and suggestions as to "always make sure you..." or "never make the mistake of...", follwed by a situation or circumstance that's likely to occur, or has occurred. When students can visualize themselves in situations, they remember and retain more essential information, plus the class is more enjoyable. Barry Westling

Darlene, Super. The pretest provides information about prior learning, and allows a teacher the opportunity to make the needed adjustments to make their class more meaniningful their students. Barry Westling

Darlene, Right. I think providing skills and knowledge is important, and needed. But if my graduate is not prepared for the work setting due to lack of or weak soft skills, they won't be successful. Therefore, I haven't helped completely without a tincture of taste about the soft skills required for their career area. Barry Westling

Darlene, Yes on all accounts. If by being prepqared class brings added respect, that's cool. But some students don't give their respect regardless. So your second reason is most important becasue you are hepling students but also serving your own needs the most. Barry Westling

Carmina, Application of theory is a strong ingredient to becoming an effective employee. Barry Westling