Barry Westling

Hi Ann: I understand the challenge of teaching an academic, supporting class in a profession-specific program. You shared an important point that is applicablre to any class, and that is making it fun. Even the core classes should be interesting, exciting, and filled with stufdents eager to learn. Relating success stories of students you've had may also assist with these students feeling like your class is important to the big picture of employment. Regards, Barry

Hi Lauraine: Very true. Students (and people in general) like to feel they're in control of their situations. Frequent sharing of class progress contributes to this sense of knowing and opportunity to make or not make adjustments to study plans, assignment completion, etc. It's up to them. Some students are satisfied just a passing grade while others are wanting to really excel. Sharing progress helps them make these kinds of decisions. Regards, Barry

Hi Quesstonnal: I also think student feel like their teacher cares about their success in the class when the teacher takes time to regularly and frequently discuss class progress. It helps build relationships and perhaps provides an opportunity for students to improve based on where they stand in the class. Regards, Barry

Hi Quesstonnal: Good. Among the many benefits of using pretests is the ability to plan for a specific group of students that may have been different from the previous or upcoming group. Students may also feel inspired to see how much they're going to learn in that session of class. Regards, Barry

Hi Ricardo: I agree that knowing something about individual students learning style is helpful. Just as inportant is what to do with the information, i.e., how do you reach out to an auditory learner, or visual, or kinesthethic? There's lots of methods and proven techniques, but there's also trial and error that many teachers just have to experience to find what works for a given cohort of students. Regards, Barry

Hi Quesstonnal: Color is is great eye catcher! Asking different students to come and write on the board with a certain colored pen helps engage students also. Regards, Barry

Hi Quesstonnal: You're right. Student seem to view comments made from employers and professionsls from their field with acceptance and authenticity. Field trips are motivational and can spark the interest of weaker students who fail to see the big picture and value of their education. Regards, Barry

Hi Joseph: I think in a program such as yours where you're "out there" so much, a positive, approachable personality might be a job requirement. You also have the opportunity for role modeling while conducting good solid instructional material. Now, all of that material is probably contained somewhere in the textbook, but the personality is what briongs life to it! Regards, Barry

Hi Uwe: I agree only the smallest of points should be allocated A(if any) for extra credit. I also think that extra credit should not be substituted for regular assignments. For instance, what good is it for a student to receive extra credit for something not required yet forego completing a necessary assignment. We want to teach, not just award grades. Regards, Barry

Hi Uwe: I think discussion is among the better ways students learn because it involves critical thinking. In the real world of work many situations occur that can't be planned for ahead of time, so a good student has to be able to think on their feet. This where practice through discussion can be quite helpful. Regards, Barry