Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Jacky: A good analogy is like a day when the car doesn't start and you're already late. What do you do? Same for back-up plans. We need something we can quickly pull off the shelf with little preparation and still have meaning for the course topic. Low tech works best (discussion, group study. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Jacky: Whenever a teacher can integrate more senses or utilize multiple senses in a given lesson, the learning environment will be improved. Each specilaty has to determine what methods work best for their classes. The more ingaged the student is in their learning the more successful they'll be as graduates and employees. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Jacky: Being prepared does require the teacher to have all their ducks (mice) in order in order to attain a realistic level of preparation. Meaningful interaction is more likely when this is tyhe case. Reagards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi William: Boy, you are right! Being prepared anf getting prepared consists of different mindsets. As you've aptly pointed out, getting prepared is more than gathering resources but a way of life for serious educators. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Jeris: Your post suggests a very benificial use for pretesting. It can also be useful for students to see the previews of coming attractions! Depending how it's presented, this can be a real motivator. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Lauraine: Change up's are a good way to get students back on track too. A change-up can really be any activity that instantantly shift the focus to something differnt, whether it it be tone of voice, standing in a differt spot, pointing to soething open or close the books, really anything. It stirs the mind that something different is (or about to) happen. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Samantha: Good! It is awful and a big time waster for all when what is planned for gets broken, canccelled, unavailable, is missing, etc. Good teachers will always have a Plan-B and a Plan-C! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Jennifer: How a teacher relates to their students does make a difference and is a huge factor in creating a positive learning environment for the students. They have to be able to relate to their teacher as a channel for learning their course material. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Jennifer: I would guess that there are limits to how much a classroom setting can simulate a real restaurant kitchen. Providing an opportunity for students to see the detail you mention would seem invaluable. Good for you for planning these visits! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Thelma: You've provided some good points. One point I'd make is that hopefully, over time, they'll be less need to put reminder notes in a journal or elsewhere because the teacher has begun to incorporate these ideas. Of course the freshness of new student ideas will be worthy of consideration. Regards, Barry