Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Christine: What a great idea! I bet most teachers know someone or some similar situation they can access for field trips. They are very beneficial and the students enjoy the experience. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Amy: I have always gained more enjoyment from teachers and classes where I felt I was recognized for myself, could apprach the teaher, and was'nt made to feel dumb. I think students appeciate that when we can provide it. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Amy: You're conveying your expectations, and by doing so regularly it does demonstrate you're prepared for what's planned ahead. Students will recognize this act as prepared and organized. Great! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Hi Wayne: Your college has adopted a good model for providing both a variety of learning methods and activities, and also for allowing the instructor to choose what they feel will teach the material the best way. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Anne: Keeping students on track is can be tricky at times due to different levels of learning and skill performance. Planning for students to finish at different times and having prepared activities for those that finish earlier is a great plan. Keeping students busy with class topics rather than just busy work may take some planning too. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Anne: Mixing up and using a variety of media makes for more interesting classes as well as keeping the student focused and on target with the lesson. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Anne: Respect is earned and there is few better ways then to lead by example. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Rachel: Great. There are a lot of good ideas in the lessons and discussion forums. Better teachers will be organized and prepared because they care, as you've pointed out. Students will pick up on that too. It gives us a chance to be good role models. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Maureen: These are good reasons. I would add "to be sure the students learn what they're supposed to from the class". Lesser prepared teachers my spend time on wasted dialog or projects, where organized teachers are ready to get the essential material covered. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Maureen: Students do need a break from the norm from time to time and scheduling a field trip usually will do the trick. Methods to improve getting access for field trips might include: * Get a referral from a current worker * Get permission from the top administration (letter or in person) * Contact the head office (PR or HR departments) * Cold call: Just call the supervisor and ask. * Work through your Chamber of Commerce * Blackmail: "We heard brand x is superior. Can we come and see why yours is better? I'm sure there are many… >>>