Barry Westling

Barry Westling

About me

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Daniel, Very nice! Confidence always strengthens the foundation of a course. You're right, no one has all the answers, yet giving all we have (and getting unresolved questions answered) shows preparation, competence, and models a professional demeanor. Barry Westling
Sylvia, It's always interesting to be able to go back and reflect on what was important, and to examine the growth and improvements made over time. Barry Westling
Lima, All effortys you mentioned contribute to a perception by students that their instructor is readied and serious about their classes. That doesn't mean stuffy and boring, rather it means competent and confident inb conveying essential information in a dynamic learning environment. Barry Westling
Jennifer, I am asked periodically "what do I do if I don't have guest speakers", to which I reply "do you have graduates?". Graduates sometimes don't have years of experience but they bring freshness, energy and enthusiasm, and a sense of hope aligned with the sentiment "Idid it so you can do it". Also, they can relate better to current students then some outsider. Not as a substitute for seasoned guest speakers, but in addition to. Barry Westling
Suzanne, I don't give EC at all, and it's a practice and policy my students know and adhere to from day 1. Most of my experiences have not been good ones involving EC. In some settings, perhaps it has an acceptable role. For me, I just don't go down that road. Barry Westling
Suzanne, This can be a helpful tool, especially when little is known about prior knowledge. The biggest help to me is reviewing the results, and determining where more (or less) emphasis may be needed. Also, occasionally, I've repeated the pretest near the end of the course to demonstrate how far students have come. This usually has a very positive result. Barry Westling
Judy, Early on, I actually stand at the door and personnaly greet each student, shake their hand and welcome them to class. Once we're all more familiar, I still try to be in the class before anyone else, and offer general help, or just chat to make a personal connection. When class begins, having everything readied suggests I'm serious about class, but my personality style is friendly, approachable and conveys "I'm here to help you". Barry Westling
Suzanne, Interesting story. I perform and teach CPR as part of my job. But in my personal life, I've had the occasion to perform CPR four times, just as a bystander. It makes me wonder how lives could be saved if everyone knew basic CPR skills. Anyway, your search for a speaker each time that class is taught is a terrific idea! Barry Westling
Wesley, I'm with you. Sometimes, I think the kind words of support and encouargaement are as important and meaningful as is the actual grade information we share. Students want vaidation and recognition of thier value as individuals. Any instructor should be able to offer that to their students. Barry Westling

Aldorey, To answer your question, I'll use your own statement that selection should be based on your student needs. That said, specific measures for me begoin with looking at the course goals, student learning outcomes, and finally, coursde objectives. I might "what are five alternative ways to potentially teach to meet this objective?" Then, what 4-5 resources are avioalbale that I have access to that could contribute to the lessons. Finally I might ask "what methods will I use to have my studenrts engaged and participating?" By answering all of these questions, most any instructor would be adequately prepared to… >>>

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