Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Brian: It sounds like your school has a fairly fixed curriculum to follow. That's OK, many schools do. Even so, the more media choices you integrate into your class, the more interesting, varied, and memorable your class will be for your students. I also think the more we can get our students engaged in their own learning, the more meaningful the information will be, and they'll retain more of the needed information from the class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Carolyn: True, we can be effective role models in our everyday preparation and demonstration of how professional individuals approach their job. We don't even have to say much or call attention to it, student's will pick up on it and the better ones will gravitate towards that "upward pull". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Carolyn: You're right - how a teacher presents themselves to a class can make the difference in the students mind about how they like the teacher and their methods, and therfore, will tend to do better in that class. Just the opposite can be true as well. I think that's where understanding ourselves as instructors and relying on our stronger points is a valuable work in progress. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Carolyn: Your use of time sequencing is innovative and I think you are fortunate your curriculum allows that kind of adjustment. It sounds like a good idea, although not all teachers have lecture/lab, and would be unable to make such a switch. However, having course related material that doesn't take a lot of preparation and is very low tech (so it could be used anytime-anywhere) would very hehpful when a teacher is having "one of those days" when everything seems to be going awry. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Carolyn: I agree that behavior or the students approach to the course work is good information to be shared with by their instructor. Most students have existing learning styles that are somewhat innate and would seem difficult to change. But, as you point out, correcting poor study habits, working on missed assignments, or improving their skill level early on is definetly advantageous for students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Donald: Good self awareness comments. Real, honest, authentic, natural - these are traits students appreciate in an instructor. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Rebecca: I think I agree with the essence of your comment. The reason the students are there, and our relationship with them is as instructor, mentor, facilitator, teacher. We are not there to demonstrate our (perceived) witty jokes, comical antics, or innappropriate stories that have little to do with the lesson at hand. The students expect a focused, competent instructor acting and reinforcing a professional manner and demeanor. And although they may not comment if the teacher goes too far off track, they'll still notice, and that may diminish their respect for the teacher or even create less enthusisiasm… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Diane: Your suggestion is a good one if time allows. Sometimes, it doesn't take much to get folks redirected. A simple change of pacing, voice control/variance, change-ups, asking students a question, etc. If there is a lot of information to cover, there isn't always the opportunity to change directions fully and perform a different activity. But shaking up the atmosphere a little bit can sometimes be effective in getting students refocused. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Diane: Good point, from a broad philosophical perspective. On a more practical side, to me, sudent centered require adjusting or modifying my anticipated plans for a class in favor of media choices ad instructional strategies that are more aligned with the specfic student(s) in the class. Every class is different, and many classes may require tweaking things somewhat based on individual student needs. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Diane: You're right, guest speakers can be quite inspirational and motivate the class in a way that is unique and difficult to duplicate by the instructor of record. When possible, I let theguest know where the students are at in their instruction and may even suggest they touch on a sp0ecific topic or two to reinforce the class lesson (which may add some cedibility to the points the teacher is trying to emphasize). Regrads, Barry