Barry Westling

Joseph, I agree, feedback from as sources as possible can only help reponsible instructors reflect on how others view their instructional delievery and performance. If we want to make improvements, we need feedback, such as you describe. Barry Westling

Joshua, I'm with you. EC really does not help much in the sense of advancing student learning. Barry Westling

Sue Ellen, I'm in the medical profession. I find that hospitals, clinics, and health care agencies often have free materials avialbale, or older equipment/learning resources they may willing to loan or borrow. This might work for you, too. Barry Westling

Randy, You're right, cklasses just run better with fewer problems abd better student interaction when solid preparation has preceded the planned class session. Barry Westling

Sue Ellen, Good plan, and surely appreciated by your students. Barry Westling

Amy, The experience of a field trip offers a unique type of instrucrtion, unlike almost any other kind of experience. These can be quite inspirational and motivalional, to the degree students can get "jazzed" about thier instructional program. Barry Westling

Dave, I agree field trips can inspirae and motivate as much as any other instructional tool we have avilable. Barry Westling

James, Two ideas come to mind. One is with prior arrangement, see if a field trip can be scheduled for the beginning of class, when pertinent site visitation may still be available. Another related thought is perhaps a good site might be willing to provide a special tour after hours. Yet, a third possibility might be a good guest speaker who can bring in some good visuals (PPT, photo's, or company produced marketing materials). Barry Westling

Joshua, "Being there" in all ways that suggests, is really at the heart of being student centered. Too often we have "our agenda" which may not sync with students. Getting our needs mathched with student needs works the best in a student centered sense. Barry Westling

Walt, Great example to share in this forum. Cool and smooth. It's great when we can do a change up, and the students are not even aware of it. Terrific! Barry Westling