Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Dr. A: Yes, a right to know and a personal resonsibility to respond to that information. Even though there are automated ways students can view their grades, I think finding a way to connect personally with students is important. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Missy: Yes, so true. Being open is difficult for some teachers either because of the environment, class size, frequency of student turnover, etc. Some may even have personal reasons for not wanting to get too close. I'm not talking about going over the line, but just being natural, friendly without being friends, relatable. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Dennis: Your assignment to you online students to arrange a field trip is quite creative. The web sites, although not as impressive as a work site, is a good example as well. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Dennis: Sure, that's a great example of being prepared and ready for whatever may come our way. I've found as time has passed I have so much information I have to be very selective in order to stay on track. But if the topic wavers, I'm ready and have my maresources organized. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Missy: You're right about asking more questions, even if they don't verbalize it, they'll be impressed with what they see and usually want to be better students and try harder in most cases. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Anthony: I tell my new instructors (who are new to teaching but have work place skills in the trade) that they " have years of experience - immeasurable compared to the students they'll be teaching. So be confident in yourself." The little bit you need help with will come with time and personal desire to learn what you need. No worries. If you're committed, you'll do fine. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Augustine: Being yourself, your students will benefit as they can concentrate on your care for their learning and relate to you as a person. The more natural and confident, the better your courses will be. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Stephen: I think when one is empowered, they become capable of almost unlimited opportunity, diminished only by their own shortsighteness. Our job, in part, is to open those visions of a brighter future. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Hi Stephen: Keeping students current using the internet, journals, newspapers, even stories and resports from their school activities can all be informative and useful learning strategies. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Stephen: Extra credit, as a substitute for required assignment, sounds like a poor grading system that may may allow some students to miss out learning essential or needed information required for the workplace. Regards, Barry