Barry Westling

Hi Stephen: Great!. Attention from the teacher is like "time with Dad (or Mom). It shows you care, and overtime students view their instructor as a facilitator of good instruction, not the "we vs, them". Regards, Barry

Hi Stephen: Good points. Keeping students informed is as much of teaching as providing the lesson. Time for sharing grades, giving advice, providing suggestions for improvement - who would not want an instruct like that? Regards, Barry

Hi Brook: Being prepared sets the tone for whole class. As you say, there can be some diminished respect if a messy, disorganized, unprepared teacher is what student learn to expect every day. So, reversing that by mutual courtesy and respect, on time, materials ready, thorough lesson, even pace, frequent breaks in the sequencing, even less serious periods all contribute to that prepared teacher. I'm sure there are many more examples as well. Regards, Barry

Hi Stephen: I can believe listening would be important. Adjectives such as sizziling, crackling, boiling, simmering - these all are related to the sounds of cooking. In another sense, snesing customer satisfaction or comments or, even the tone created in the restaurant would seem to contribute to acute hearing and visual observation. Regards, Barry

Hi Mark: Great technique! With your permnision, I may use that one sometime! In learning, more senses create better information retention. Integrating sensory learning can take thought and planning but the result is an enriched class lesson. Regards, Barry

Hi Sharon: Nice perspective on your teaching style. I like you"heart" comment, because it's really trure. Students will pick up on whether a teacher is really interested in helping a student be succesful. As for keeping interest, if the student can see how it will help them in the workforce, that can be emphasized. It is great when students awaken to class purpose. Regards, Barry

Hi Mark: With no penalty for trying, pretesting is a great way for students to self evaluate their existing knowledge and, as you point out, gives you ann idea where to set your emphasis for the class. Regards, Barry

Hi Cynthia: Great! First impressions count. Sustained orgaization demonstrates to students the real world of work expects organized workers and here we have an opportunity to lead by example. Regards, Barry

Hi Karen: Right on. The personal touch. Ask students to read aloud text sections you might be covering. Commend even the slightest of good work. Students will notice and become better motivated. Regards, Barry

Hi Sharon: You're right, sometimes information overload can occur. Breaking material up into smaller parts is one method to keep interest. Also, getting students personnaly involved somehow will be memorable and contribute to better information retention. Reagrds, Barry