Barry Westling

Hi Donald: Good ideas. Students (and people) always like to hear stories. When it's related to their vocation they're likely to remember the point or the message. Most people's attebntion span is about 12-15 minutes. So even if it's just something simple breaking up the lesson (as you seem to be doing) is helpful. Regards, Barry

Hi Bennett: Yeah, that "Aha" is more likey to appear the more invovement and sensory stimulus is provided because they all contribute to direct or latent memory and information retention. Regards, Barry

Hi Bennett: Excellent! Sometimes I think we need a plan B, plan C and even plan D. Sounds like you've go it covered. Regards, Barry

Hi Bennett: Great! Staying on top of those lesson plans keeps things current and results in well thought out learning strategies.Also getting input from other faculty is a terrific strategy. Regards, Barry

Hi Donald: You've got a pretty good handle on yourself. Since we don't have "eyes in the back of our heads", it's great when an instructor is willing to subject themselves to ongoing correction and improvement. That's easy to say but hard to do. A simple test is to ask a colleague to sit in one of your classes with the express purpose of critiquing it. Accepting what might be uncovered is the test of humility and willingness to accept that there may be area that could be modified or imnprovement needed. Regards, Barry

Hi Lois: It's great that you have an understanding of a few insights regarding your instructional attributes. Very generally, if an instructor truly care about thier students learning, many lesser qualities are likely to be overlooked by the student because they'll feel you're honestly interested in them. Regards, Barry

Hi Doreen: Right! Balance is the key. I've found that is takes a while of adjusting and modifying to find the best balance. Also, I've learned to be flexible and willing to change what I thought was presviously working just fine. Regards, Barry

Hi Thomas: You've touched on an important point. Better learning will occur when the student is actively involved in it's delivery, however that is provided to them. The worst would be the "taliking head just spewing out information" with the students taking notes. How boring. I know I wouldn't want to come back to school day after day if that was the way instruction occured. Regards, Barry

Hi Lois: Yes, unfortunately too many teachers end up just describing the slide rather than using it as a tool to enhance the learning experience.There are a lot of ways to get a handle on how best to deliver an instructional point or lesson. But at the core you are correct that we ought to be concerned most with student learning. How we go about that chore in the best possible way is the challenge instructors need to carefully ponder. Very honest self analysis. Thanks for sharing Regards, Barry

Hi Thomas: Very creative use of an instructional tool thats fun and still effective. Very cool! Regards, Barry