Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Joseph, Time would seem to be a limiting factor. Perhaps just asking one thoughtful question and surveying the responses would be most appropriate. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Amy, More senses used in the instructional process are better. I think visual, auditory, and kinesthetic/tactile are probably used more than others. However we can get students to understand the material is the goal, and involving senses is among those categories. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Joseph, I agree. It's said that teaching others is one of the best ways to learn a topic. As beginning teachers, we have all experienced this to be true. So it ought to be appropriate for students as well. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Amy, Right. Matching what is taught to what is expected is an appropriate objective and commendable achievement when it is attained. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Randy, Yes, soft skills are important. I think bot soft skills and course specific skills are equally valuable to students understanding expectations, getting, and keeping a job. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Courtney, Bringing someone in for real specialty areas is a great idea for a speaker. Of course, if that topic is a major objective for the course, the speaker material would need to be supplemented. But if it mere peripheral to the major topics in the course, students will enjoy the variety and change up in routine. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Joseph, I have informed the speaker what current topics we're covering, and "it would be great if these these (3), (4), (5) topics were covered. That has helped minimize the war story drama that some speakers slip into. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Sue Ellen, Without feed back from their instructor, students are kind of traveling in the dark. Timely notification of grade and class status is critical to students knowing how and where additional attention may be needed. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Joshua, Good back up plans help supplement what has been planned, and are absoultely needed when whatever has been planned cannot occur for whatever reason. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Joshua, Great point. The instructor is the facilitator, while media are mere tools and resources that support the facilitator. And while important and helpful, instructors should be focused on the job to be completed, not the tools taht assist getting it done. Barry Westling