Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Len, This kind of says it all. Certainly we want the basic skills and knowledge to be grasped. I believe adding professionalism and soft skills that help students keep a job once they acquire one is important. And, if we can get students to be critical thinkers, we will have helped them not just for employement but for life, even in their personal lives. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Amalia, You're right, part of our professional persona is based on the student's pereception of the instructor's readiness. I believe when we are ready, organized, and prepared, that can only help make classes run smoother, flow better, assist students more, and give students a full measure of instruction (that they have paid for, by the way). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Len, More acitivities, variety, creative methods that alter the traditional delivery of course content all add immensly to the students appreciation for their instructores effort, and benefits them with better retention and overall performance. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Nichole , Field trips are exciting! Often, the level ofd enthusiasm, interest, and renewed attention to the students focus in class can be enhanced through engaging field trip experiences. Also, the break in the routine of classroom lecture or discussion can be a refreshing change.. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Eunita, I like to personally meet with students if possible. If time is a factor, I'll screen down to just the the ones that are having difficulty, but I believe all benefit from the personal touch, even if it's just a compliment. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Eunita, Yes, we assume students have all the requisite prior learning to complete our classes satisfactorily, but many times we have to modify things somewhat in order to get all students up to speed. A pretest is a good way to do that. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Lovett, Students get distracted for all kinds of reasons. Except for illness, most reasons are not as important as getting the students reengaged. This can simple, such as asking pointed questions, to having students get up, move around, or do some physical activity (even just taking a short break can help reset sluggish minds). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Eunita, Certainly more senses used contribute to better retention and memorable learning experiences. Sometimes we have to be creative, but that's what makes planning classes and facilitating them fun! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Eunita, True. And I think it's harder to emulate another than it is to just be natural, genuine, and sincere. Our true personality helps convey needed information better than someone else's version of delivery. As you say, we have to be ourselves. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Eunita, I think we become better with practice, which means making mistakes. Hoefully, over time, we learn from our mistakes and we become better by it. Barry Westling