Barry Westling

Wendy, Part of the process of journizing is to reflect on past notes. Since these are solely for the benefit of the instructor, over time, it's very reasonable to expect that adjustments or modifications in the methodology, content, or style may be made in the notations as time progresses. That's one aspect of looking back to view what was deemed important may not seem as important. Usually, over weeks, months, or years, instructors will experience growth, improvement, and higher achievements as an effective instructor, in part through their self analysis by someone who knows them well - themselves! Barry Westling

Sheila, I know when I'm prepared, I feel more confident, energetic, and upbeat with the material I need to present. That energy transfers to students. We may be role models, or students may just see us as this is how this instructor operates. Either way, we owe our students our full effort in planning, preparaing, orgainzing, and presenting essential material. Barry Westling

Wendy, If it's relatively local, transportation becomes less a deterrant. But whether guest speaker or field trip, the objective is to open the minds of our students to areas and considerations they may not have thought about, and is not available to the same degree in the classroom or lab. Students usually are very motivated by either form of alternative instructional strategy. Barry Westling

Wendy, Sometimes allowing students to have some control over their course work can be a great exercise and craete a sense of ownership. When done, it needs to be aligned with instructor and institutional standards. True, it takes time. I would say that lost time can potentially be made up by student-directed lessons (students leading the class), then the instructor filling in missed or essential facts. Barry Westling

Dawn, True, especially adult learners want to know their status as soon as possible. Partly, this generation tends to expect instant everything, and partly because in many courses, even a few days delay can make a difference in how a student will prepare. So it's imporatnt status rearding grades, attendance, or professional standing be communicated ASAP. Barry Westling

Maricar, I like to use time to inform students of their status, and also devlop/build stronger relationships with studewnts. If students feel we care, they'll have more confidence in us as instructors, and perhaps increased respect and trust. Barry Westling

Dawn, Great! This is why pretesting is used. Barry Westling

Dawn, I think growth as individuals can occur if we can integrate critical thinking into our lessons. If students are able to think for themselves, we will have helped them be a success both in their career and personal life as well. Barry Westling

Maricar, "Ready" can mean a lot of things. Obviously knowledge and skills are needed and also the soft skills that will assist in getting and keeping a job (professionalism, speech, dress, hygiene, punctuality, courtesy, etc.). Barry Westling

Amy, Great self assessment. I think youy've got a good perspective in that instructors who are willing to improve, grow, and become better at what they do will have successful classes, and students will benefit as the result. Barry Westling