Barry Westling

Darron, Yes, keeping students informed does keep the student on track and informed whether improvement is needed or if whast they're doing is hitting the mark. I like to also chat briefly with students in order to personalize discussions, and to offer my support and encouragement, and try to make a connection with me. Barry Westling

Darron, My thought about sufficiency is assuring that all my resources are effective, specific to mky course and objectives, and contribute positively to the course material and student learning. Easier said than done, for sure! Barry Westling

Darron, Right. I think being effective means having the knowledge, skilss, and attitude that is expected for their career area, and perhaps, imparting an ability for critical thinking which will help both in and out of the work setting. Barry Westling

Darron, I think it's assumed instructors should know their stuff. A less familiar sentiment is, "hey we're paid to be there, be ready, be prepared, and give 110% to our students. Students will live by whatever expectations are given. Barry Westling

Pamela, I agree. For me, I think more frequent and early on chats with students help steer students in the direction they need to go. Also, if there is correction needed there's time to for the student to make adjustments. I also think the more times we can communicate with students, it gives us another opportunity to encourage them and to convey we care about their success in the courses we teach. Barry Westling

Pamela, So true. If we could walk in these students shoes for a few days, I'm sure most instructors would have a greater appreciation for the difficulties and challenges sensory impaired individuals experience every day. Tweaking the course to confront these kind of impairments really would probably help all students understand and perhaps a better learning environment would occur for all. Barry Westling

Pamela, Right. Instruction is enhanced when more senses are inserted into regular daily lesson planning. Some didactic classes might not seem as applicable for involving senses, but any activity that gets the students up, moving around, interacting, and doing will naturally involve senses and help students stay interested, involved, and result in better retention of information. Barry Westling

Courtney, Yes, I think of it like "how can I measure the students degree of learning"? Evaulations, assessments, tests, these all contribute to that question. Barry Westling

Kisha, Like a journey, without feedback from the instructor, a student has no reference point to know how close or apart they are from the destination. Barry Westling

Courtney, Yes. And pretests don't have to be comprehensive necessarily, just sort of a "toe in the water" to test the pulse of class is often good enough. Barry Westling