Barry Westling

Hi Kevin: True. It's difficult for some students to really stay interested and fully engaged for the length of time of classes or their entire program. Hey, many teachers find it cahllenge to be constantly enthusiastic and "up" every day. "Refueling" with whatever activity is possible is a great supplement to the existing lesson plan or curricular objectives. Regards, Barry

Hi Mary: I agree. The unique nature of having a guest speaker can make for a truly interesting change of pace for students - different speaker, perspective, particular spin on a given topic, etc. I believe some students who may not have a full comprehension of the multiple dimensions many work environments deliver can have their eyes opened - even inspired to do better in class because of their "new found appreciation" of the profession they're studying for. Regards, Barry

Hi Mary: Given the relatively long time students are expected to be in class, your approximate time schedule of activities seems pretty balanced. Keeping students engaged, participating, interested and involved would seem to be the natural barriers to effective instruction. So, variety in your media choices, changing frequently from one media to another will help. Also, when students are actively involved in their own instruction, they're going to learn more and retain information better. Regards, Barry

Hi Julia: Great! Prestesting can also in spire students who recieve a preview of upcoming topics in class. Some might even begin preparing for topics ahead of of time. But the best help this activity provides is giving the teacher an idea at what level their students are at at the momement, and assessing if the curriculum needs to be tweaked some to better serve the students. Regards, Barry

Hi Mary: The use of your portal opens a lot of varied options for your students. Although a bit time consuming at first, the addition of narrarated slides is a great example of using mutiple senses using existing resources.One caution, because it's a one way type of presentation, students will sometimes get a bit tired of the same voice without the nability to interact. A blended course or presentation would make a lot for a great course. The other media you listed is great - more variety leads to better attention and retention of needed information. Regards, Barry

Hi Mary: Journals help teachers keep track of all kinds of stuff you might remember during a term or even on a weekend. It can be reflective of thoughts, or reminders of improvements you want to make in your course. It's a handy place to keep all those miscellaneous ideas that pop into nyour head - maybe you'll act on them or not. The point is to keep track of them. Regards, Barry

Hi Michael: Although many students could not recognize what a professional does and how they act, still, you're right, we can be models of professionalism that may even help show by example how adequate preparation, manner and demeanor, organization, and readiness provide a day by day of professionalism in motion! Regards, Barry

Hi Gregg: Really, there are probably a gazillion methods that could be incorporated into a lesson and student study time that would assist learning with emphasis on sensory stimulation. When these techniques are employed, we end up with improved retention of information, transfer from short to long-term memory, and perhaps, better prepared students. Regards, Barry

Hi Gregg: Variety helps so much. Keeping students attention, especially in an evening class setting is more challenging than day classes. Mixing media, varying the time spent, moving from one resource to another keeps attention and contributes to keeping the students engaged and focused. I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir on this post, eh? Regards, Barry