Barry Westling

Hi Pierre: Good ideas. Curriculum should be based on institutional approved student learning oucomes (SLO's) for each course. The couse ouline and syllabus is then derived from this foundation. If the instructor avoids straying from the SLO's, the appropriate and essential material for that course is assured to be covered. If time and resources allow, additional material may be added, but the minimum SLO's need to be met. That said, your good point about the human delivery of the essential course content is what makes a course memorable to students. Regards, Barry

Hi Cindy: Nice complementary comment and reflection. Regards, Barry

Hi Cindy: Students like guest speakers and experts from their profession. Guests usually bring a whole different perspective to the teaching environment. They may not be polished expositors but what they have to share about the profession they work in is invauable. Sometimes I'll coach a guest "to be sure to cover such and such", but most of the time they are so full of interesting material, they capture the students interest for the entire time slot. Regards, Barry

Hi Cindy: Yeah! And who doesn't want some fun in their lives? I agree that when we think about our instructional duties from the perspective of the student they're just going to do better,. Why? Because in this environment, we seek to understand the student and their needs so that we better assist them in their learning. I'll tell you, most students are very appreciative of even the most modest of assistance and care. When a teacher recieves positive feed back from a student who feels this way, our job's suddenly become much more satisfying. Regards, Barry

Hi Ann: Good. We have to remember that the student enrolled in the program because they had an interest or desire to work in that trade. As often as we can keep bringing back the lesson to the basic thing they're in school for, the more interest and enthusiasm they're likey to display. Regards, Barry

Hi Amber: Good! Mood, atmosphere, whatever we call it translates to expectations. If we want students to follow our model and excel in the classroom and their profession, peparing an environment that suggests "you can be succssful and I'm here to help you do it" can really tun the trick! Regards, Barry

Hi Karen: You are on the right track Karen. Although we want to be professional and maintain control of the class, that doesn't mean we can't "be normal" as individuals, and I think the students will appreciate that normal-ness, more than some lofty, unapproachable type of personality. Regards, Barry

Hi Karen: One key word I heard you say was adapt. Let me tell you as as seasoned instructor, if you can grasp that concept you will successful in all your teaching days. Regards, Barry

Hi Novella: Good point. When students feel theur teacher care about their learning, I believe they are more likely and willing to do a better job and follow directions. Regards, Barry