Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Diana, I imagine there must be hundreds of internet links, you-tube videos, field trips, food preparation commentaries from magazines and newspapers,, or even simulation software thats available to assist the culinary learner. I merely suggest these as posssible considerations to add variety and stimulate thought about alternative media selections. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

David, Could be, or also observations about self appraisal of what worked and what didn't, needed resources, personal feelings or emotions, or even notes about improvements to curriculum. Over time, reflecting on how we viewed things way back when is helpful in measuring growth and adaptaion over time. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Tracy, We do have self perceptions that may differ from students. Feedback from as many sources as possible is better than being in a vacuum, or refusing to adapt or respond to positive, constructive feedback. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

James, You're right.hink we as instructyors can do this minimally or extraordinarily. The latter is like being there before students arrive, making ouirselves available, using alternative teaching styles to reach all students, and things like that. This will create a lasting impression and is a great way to role model professionalism. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

LaToya, Very important to share progress and status frequently. I think giving extra assignments that may help learning material is helpful and beneficial to students. Giving it as extra credit is not something I would not do. I do not give extra credit. I've had too many bad experiences (in 30+ years), so I just choose not to give it. Extra credit is unfair, difficult to grade (fairly), creates grade inflation, and diminishes the integrity of the grading system that good students in class abide by (and may take offense by). That said, I understand each instructor and institution has… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

LaToya, This is a good technique (I have used before with great success). Usually, students are amazed at how much they have actually learned and improved. The main thing with pretesting is the help it gives to instructors in planning their courses. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

LaToya, We are all unique, with personalities that reflect who we are. I feel it's extremely important to be genuine and sincere in our presentation to students.They will respond to authenticity more that some version of someone else. Being real creates an learning environment where students feel they can trust the information we are providing Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

LaToya, Confidence complements competence. We need to present ourselves as the subject matter experts, and convey that sentiment whenever we are with students. One way to doi this is to try to develop a professional but personal relationship with the student, in order to be able to discuss matters pertaining to the course with each student. This helps reinforce our role, and contributes to building trust and respect. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

David, Students are perceptive. They notice little things. Seeing an instructor hurried, rushed, making last minute copies, disheveled and disorganized, and jumping around betwenn topics (unintentionaly) creates a lasting impression of unpreparedness. Contrasted against being there when students arrive, objective written on the board, all resources and materials laid out, and the lesson ready to go, the students will observe "this instructor is ready, and so should I be". Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

David, These are good. When I think of time management, I substitute "self management", as we all have the same amount of time in a day, it's how we use it that matters. And when effort and planning goes into each class, the student outcomes are bound to be better. Barry Westling