Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Joanna: I think we all have memories, perhaps even from childhood that when we smell it, it ignites a memory or situation associated with that scent. So true, it is very applicable to teaching as well. In some classes this would take some creative activities, but where applicable, it's a wonderful sense to add to the learning process. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Joanna: As you alude to, we all have responsibilities we're accountable for. Knowing how we can best meet those obligations throught understanding our abilities contributes to doing just a mediocre or exceptional job og teaching. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Francis: Yes, we are role models and being prepared regularly sets the tone and invisible instruction for our students. Preparation means we are ready, ready to roll up our sleeves and do what we do, and tackle the obstacles that may come our way. No worries, we are prepared! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Sandra: It's a simple thing to take a pretest and determine where we may have to adjust our curriculum to better match our student needs. I understand it takes extra time and not every teacher can do it every class. But when used, it's a graet, simple tool to assist planning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Sandra: I really believe to know oneself is a life-long journey. Unless we remain as infants, everyday we grow, we experience, we learn, we become new (and hopefully) better individuals. We can't see ourselves completely objectively, so we have to depend on reliable methods to give us guidance. Trusted peer instructors, friends, students, even folks like the cashier at the local market can shed light on how we happen to be projecting our being each day. It's said "we can be the light, or the mirror that reflects it". I want to strive to be a bright light everyday… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Sandra: Prepared means ready. Ready for what the day, the students, the situations, the relationships - all of it, we're ready to take it on. When unprepared, gosh, even the slightest little disturbance can seem like a tidal wave. We can control the circumstances (through preparation) or they can control us. I choos the former. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Natalie: Great! Starting out the day right, well, and prepared is a wonderful model to follow. When things are in order, the day is in order and even disruption, interuptions, or unplanned situations don't seem to be as bothersome. I am convinced students are able to sense this. We are all capable of creating this environment if we see it has value. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Joycelyn: I have taught and supervised many students and instructors in the online environment. We have to be student centered. In a way that's different from on-ground, I feel like online provides an advantage to other delivery formats because evrything we do centers around the student connection. That doesn't mean online is easier, or the course content is different, I just mean by virtue of the delivery process, nothing happens without the student's participation. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Jacquelyn: Ah, stability. Organized classrooms certainly provide that. And I agree that students will tend to perform better in this climate than when in a disorganized clutter of classroom mess. Things can be neat, but if the teacher is not organized, it promotes the "Huh?" effect by students. No one wants that. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Raegan: Wonderful. Life is good. Enjoy it to the fullest! Regards, Barry