Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Susan: Good point. Our time is valuable and limited. Keeping track of everything we need is an arduous task. Organization is a key ingredient to making our classes a success. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Denise: Yes, keeping your students informed is helpful, and they appreciate the attention from their caring instructor. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Rocco: Yours and the students expectations level as determined by pretesting is a great way to establish how best to approach a class and its topics from the beginning. An inhanced stdent experience indeed! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Susan: This is a great idea because you're thinking about how best to get the needed information across to your students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Susan: You may stay focused and current in the newer ideas that seem to come and go unless we write rhem down. Good technique. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Dr. A: We seek out leadership in both formal (given) and informal (assumed) settings. To me, a leader influences others. I think we've all learned a little from each other (teachers collectively), and much of what we do has occured from past successful experiences of those before us. I agree leadership is important, however it was obtained. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Dr. A: Great sentiment. If all teachers approached their students this way our educational system would be a lot better off. I believe we can transcend traditional androgogical principles and still be student centered, because we can adjust our teaching to the individual student rather than following a prescribed curriculum. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Dr. A: I agree tracking activites in a journal may help with strengths and weaker areas. I also think it can provide a stimulus for thought, planning ideas for future classes, critique of what seems to work and under what circumstances. Perhaps that's just self reflection with another name. But one thing is it is a valuable and underused resource. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Dr. A: I bet that discussion forum is buzzing when students begin to dialog regarding sharing their stories of the worl environment they're being trained for. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Dr. A: I agree and believe that when the teacher cares, it shows and students pick up on that. It's also evident when the class is organized and the teacher prepared for the class. This demonstrates professionalism and, like other skills, students begin to pick up on these traits as well. Regards, Barry