Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Rebecca: Right! Encoragement, compliments, and praise are so easy to to provide and help students feel good about themselves. I wonder why some teachers fail to freely give positive comments to their students? Beyond honesty and courtesy, these additional sentiments can contribute to students doing better - and it costs the teacher nothing but a little extra time. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Brian: Why sure. I think the extra connection a teacher makes with the student also helps. Advice, comments, suggestions, all these suggest you care about the students success. We can also encourage and compliment, and that also reinforces a stronger relationship. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Brian: Hard lessons are the ones best rembered, eh? I've found that a few activities that I can pull off the shelf at a moments notice, that require little preparation, and relate to the general topic of the class work well. Low tech and something that engages the students will seem less like a "filler" to the students - they don't want their time wasted as much as you don't. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Brian: Great. Being animated, circulating around the room, using a variety of media, being honest and not taking anything so serious - these are among tatics that keep students comfortable and perhaps makes learning a bit easier for them. The more natural we are, the easier it will be to make for a smooth flow of exchange of ideas, discussion, etc. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Eric: Sure, we want to set a routine where we regularly take time to share grades, but also comments, advide, and words of encouragement. We want the student to feel like we are interested in helping them towards successful completion of their course and career. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Vinita: Great examples. Culinary offers a great opportunity to use multiple sense. Some classes have to work harder but it is possible to be creative. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Victoria: Great! When we're prepared and organized, we send a message to our students we are ready to bring you up to a new level. Doing this with excitement and enthusiasm sets the tone for the class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Erin: Boy, you've got journalizing down to a science. Obviosly, you see the benefits. It is a great tool that is largely underused by many teachers. Regrads, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Victoria: Other than time, field trips don't have to be expensive. One example is having one of your better graduates return and talk about their exciting new career. That can really effective and inspirational. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Kevin: I agree. Students should learn what is expected and assessed a grade based on the course objectives before anything extra is added. Students who do all of their work the best they can can feel slighted if they see lesser performing classmates getting underserved credit. So you're right, any EC should be minimal, and if used, it's got to be fairly distributed to all students. Regards, Barry