Barry Westling

Hi Louis: Presenting the image of a confident willing player to students will also convey a competent, generous individual who will earn the respect of most students quite rapidly. Good Job! Regards, Barry

Hi Kerry: Great! There's no reason to think others would view this perspective as anything unusual. Better instructors always have their students interest in mind and will provide the extra effort, time, and availability to assure their students excell. Regards, Barry

Hi Kerry: Disinterest and lack of of entusiasm in a subject can be the death knell for student learning. As you state, many instructors are physically there but there heart and soul - their passion - has long since departed. Who would want to intentially be in that kind of environment? And, would it be fair to subject captivate students to this incipient apathy? Regards, Barry

Hi Kerry: Stronger instructors understand themselves - both strengths and weaker areas. Playing to their stregths is wonderful - if that information is known. This starts with a willingness to want to learn, and change or adapt as may be the case. Unfortunately, not all are willing to do so. Regards, Barry

Hi Douglas: In instances where the institution decides how classes are structured and media resources utilized, we're given the opportunityy to be creative with what we've got. PPT's can be helpful if they're not relied on as the sole source of information (that should come the the instructor-expert). Also, PPT's can be a starting point for discussions, student led reviews of material, and even lesson reviews. There'd really a lot that a well constructed PPT can achieve. Regards, Barry

Hi Terry: Getting lot's of hands on instruction, or even demonstrations - goes a long ways to keeping students interested and motivated. I think it ties the school part of their education to the working part of their profession or vocation. Regards, Barry

Hi Bernard: Seems like that works well for you. Good back-up plans would also be some activity that you're able to pull out when plan a, plan b, and plan c all arn't working, available, or interrupted in some way. That's when you'll be glad you have something relevant you can always count on. Regards, Barry

Hi Clayton: Great blend of see, do, practice, remember. The more repititous lessons that are given this way, the more the students will remember and learn from the experience. Regards, Barry

Hi Bob: As instructors, our charge is to work with who and what we have. Sometimes thats more difficult than at other times. But we can always give something of value to nearly every student. And I think, if its presented rightly, most students can learn something from evry lesson - if they're open to learning. Regards, Barry

Hi David: I agree that too much information on PPTs, including fancy transitions, animations, etc., tend to distract more than instruct. A little bit goes a long way. The focus should be on the instructor and the information they're providing, not the tool (PPT). Regards, Barry