Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Edna: That's great. I don't know many teachers that use a journal as frequently and thoroughly as you do - that's great, and hopefully beneficial for you in building your skills as an effective instructor. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Jason: Yes, you've describe one helpful use. It's a planning tool for the instructors and a motivational tool for the student - they get to see "coming attractions" of what's ahead in the course. Hopefully, this will lead to an exciting expectation of things to come! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Jason: I agree with you in that we we all learned from others so it it our job to give all we can to have the next generation take what we've given and go farther and/or do more with it. In that sense, yes, it is a stewardship. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Jason: Great axiom! We do lead by example and students are quick to pick up when an instructor is not prepared, has to fumble around, equipment isn't available or absent, in short, really, wasting the students time. A few minutes several times in a class begins to add up. We have a perfect opportunity to be good role models - we should take advantage of the time we have with our students. Time is so short and valuable. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Maimoona: It would ideal to be able to plan two (or more) field trips in a given class. Many courses are shorter, so there just isn't enough time for even one field trip. In general, there are great benefits to field trips and guided tours, and I think instructors should try to schedule them whenever they can, preferably around the same time as that topic is being discussed in class. It's great when it works out that way. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Rhonda: I agree that we all have areas that we are strong and also weaker areas that could be improved on. I think the key to good and effective instruction is to be open and sensitive to adhusting or modifying our ways in order to better serve our students. For some, this is very difficult. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Rhonda: Great. I use note cards and post it notes because it lets me place them in the section where a thought occured or a reminder to mention something or add specific information the next go around. I do keep a notebook where I keep all my personal thoughts and information as a reference. Personally I don't find it helpful to have to read though many past pages to find some notation I made about a class observation. That why I just use cards and post it's. But that's just me. Regards, Barry Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Hi David: One helpful answer is to stick to the course objectives or daily objectives. If properly sequenced you should be able to cover everything you want within the alloted time. If not, maybe the sequencing of daily objectives should be reviewed or revised. Something I like to do is write the main activities and topics on the white board before class. When class begins, I'll go down the list very briefy informing students what the class will consist of. This also helps me stay focused and reminded of how much time has taken place and how much remains. Regards,… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Mary: What students see and hear (and feel) can create a vision for the student where they can see themselves in a role - in a way that other methods of instruction just cannot provide. Inspired, motivated, excited, jazzed - the experience reaches inside them and sticks with them. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Mary: Boy, you've hit the nail on the head! Even a few minutes of wasted time is a disservice to our students. Very good point! Regards, Barry