Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Heidi, Right. And I think it takes patience and a willingness to be a little flexible to really be student centered. To me, that means my planned activities may have to be modified just a little to accommodate the special needs our students may need. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Heidi, Right! And the key is to be able to assess the way different students learn and try our best to meet them "where they are". Especially important if we know a student leans best a certain way, we should try to be as accomodating as possible to align our instruction to the learning style the student is familiar with. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Bernard, Right. And that information helps the instructor insure the course objectives will be met in a meaningful way for their students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Albert, These are great tenets for instruction. I see myself in some of it but realize I can always be more prepared, more real, and sincere in my approach with students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Albert, You're right, some speakers can be a bit less than hoped for, either in their delivery, or content. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Mary, And students enjoy the break from the routine too. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Bernard, Great plan. Students like to know and see their instructor is ready when they arrive. This builds confidence, trust and respect between the instructor and their students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Jennifer, Great plan. Students need both kinds of information, the kind that pertains to grades and the kind that pertains to the job and keeping it. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Jennifer, Sometimes, just a break is all that's needed. Other times, a change in activity is warranted to get the attention and refocus student for the topic at hand. One simple thing is to tell a story or something from the work setting. Students like stories and usually instantly begin paying attention. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Jennifer, These mental mind maps or images can do much in terms of retention of key information, and it makes learning fun and the instructional setting more enjoyable too. Barry Westling