Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Gregg: Absolutely! When students are given the opportunity to participate in their learning, they're just going to do better. Practicing, doing, and teaching are all effective activities that lead to improved learning outcomes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Gregg: All of the traits and personality uniquenesses you describe are awesome and to me would make for a very fun class that would be a delight to learn in. I'd look forward to taking your class and learning what I needed. This truly describes how personality can positively contribute to improved student learning outcomes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Gregg: Great! A lot of adjectives similarly describe our role. Mentor, facilitator, coach, trainer, advisor, counselor, guide, least among them, teacher and helper. Good teachers do all they can to assure their students learn the needed material. Lesser teachers are just there to instruct, whether the student leans or not. Sad. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Kevin: Culinary is unique in that senses are intimately required in many if not most of the lessons. Still, it demonstrates the importance of how using the sense can be effective in the learning process. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Kevin: Great! These students are our future. We should try to impart all we know so they can take it even further. Progress cannot occur unless we give all we have. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Kevin: Right on! Being comfortable with who we are, willing to be honest with students and natural in our delivery, and of course, knowing our stuff will contribute to emphasizing our positive traits, and may help reveal where we as individuals need some work. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Kevin: The first day is important, as is the last. I think better teachers adopt a way of being prepared all the time. The first day experience doesn't have to be any different from any other day. In fact, that's a great time to demonstrate expectations for daily class attendance for the duration of the class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Hi Gail: My suggestion is to get your students doing some or all of the teaching methods you described in your post. When students are engaged and are participating, they learn and retain more. The downside is that this takes more time - but in your case, that would not be a problem. You can always follow up with added or missing material. But for the students, the experiences will be memorable and longlasting. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Dixie: Using senses in learning can mean not just what the teacher does to present, but also how the student learns in their preparation, study, and interaction with classmates. For instance, suppose a student spends 30-45 minutes studying, then reelaxes with a reward of a small meal or a treat? Then repeat that experience. Or, on a cold day, wrap up in a nice snuggly blanket while reading or using the computer (ooh, the feel of beeing all tucked in!). Anyway, although these example may not work for everyone in every case. My point is that evry stimulus (sense)… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Dixie: These days, there are almost unlimited resources. The trick is to thin these down to the resource and delivery that will best convey the content in a meaningful and enjoyable manner. Two keys: One is to get students engaged in wahtever media is chosen (active vs passive learning); The other is to use variety; mix it up and stimulate as many senses, thought provoking points, interesting ways of presenting that keep students interested. Regards, Barry