Barry Westling

Tiffany, These days, the web, internet, online resources and in general, the explosion of technology we've all experienced can be effectively channeled into our lessons. Although we get older students, manyt if not most of todays younger set are accustomed to mutimedia in computerized resources and I think anytime we can add those into our delivery selections, it adds variety and interest to the classes. Barry Westling

Amanda, I sometimes have to remind my faculty that the student is reason we're employed in the first place. Without succesful student outcomes, people learn they may become unemployed at my institution. Barry Westling

Monica, Right - no surprises. Even if the news is less than wonderful, I think it is wise to share the details of where a student is at in the class at regular intervals. This provides both information as to performance and also time to make needed corrections if that is applicable. Barry Westling

Erica, Lifelong learners make good employees; many times so good, they move on to better job opportunities. I think if we train our students well, and i9nclude the ability to think critically, they will be successful both at work and ion their personal lives. Lifelong learning translates to lifelong successfulness. Barry Westling

Erica, Sometimes refered to as soft skills, attributes of appropriate language and spelling, dress and grooming, behavior such as courtesy, and professional readiness such good attendance and punctuality often make or break a new employee. Less so is the technical skills in a job, but more so is the basic "just being there, on time, relating professionally to coworkers. More people are let go because of these very correctible traits than the technical skills that are a part of the job. Barry Westling

Tiffany, Field trips are cool, offering a break from the routine and often giving additional inspiration to some and to others motivation to do better at their studies to be prepared for the work setting they've observed. Barry Westling

Monica, Using PPT to begin a discussion is great. Asking questions usually wioll get folks re-focused. I also find stories about the workplace will get attention of all, then I can go back to the lesson at hand. Just one of many techniques. Barry Westling

Amanda, Clickers are great for classroom discussions. Annomymous, reinforcing correct information, debating why one choice is better, reviwing, etc. As a technolgy, this is agreat way to begin a discussion (3-5 general questions), that lead to further discussion. Barry Westling

Kathleen, Evaluation and assessment are the road signs to reaching set goals, and help determine where improvement or modification may be needed. Ultimately, there is probably several factors in play they impact student performance. But it begins with establishing where the student is currently performing. Barry Westling

Renee, Terrific! This level of contact, communication and direction can only help improve your students performance and learning outcomes. Barry Westling