Barry Westling

Kerry, Good thoughts. For me, I like to be able to also convey an ability to think critically, as this will assist not only in the workplace but in the students personal life as well. Yes, skills, knowledge, and attitude are also expected outcomes. Barry Westling

Kerry, Students will always appreciate the skilled knowledge that an experienced clinician brings to the classroom. All persons have certain traits they can exemplify regardless of their teaching experience. Chief among them are patience, good sense of humor, willingness to listen, flexibilty, confidence, and true care for students learning. It may be manefested among instructors differently, but these traits enhance the persona of the instructor. Barry Westling

Leslie, I agree that the more frequent and early on we can connect with our students, the better they will be able to react and adjust to make needed improvements in their course. The opportunity to give words of encouragement is also a great way to build trust and respect among students. Barry Westling

Edward, I agree we want to give direction for studying and assistance on preparing for exams. I don't give extra credit because it rarely yeidls much towards student learning and, in my view, is merely a way to add points or alter a grade without contriubuting to student learning. I liken it to the work place where as workers, there is no extra credit. So it is in my classes. Barry Westling

Renee, This sounds like a very interesting method to involve students in their own learning. I'm sure the students enjoy this activity and probably look forward to times it is scheduled. Barry Westling

Edward, I think better PPT slides merely guide the instructor to enable to enhance their lecture or discussion. Trying to put all the mayterial a student needs on a slide is an arduous task, and is not the best way to give material to students anyway. We can shine when elaborating on points made from mere bullet points on a PPT slide. Barry Westling

Darcy, Yes, we are role models and also employees. It is only natural that we would need to be fully prepared for something we're being paid to do. Barry Westling

Darcy, Current and competent sends a strong message to students that the instructor is in charge and is capable of leading them towards mastery of the subject. Perception and reality may vary, so being optimally prepared is crucial to portraying the instructors ability to impart needed information in a meaningful way. Barry Westling

Dawn, Yes, a little bit of humor can regather everyone and get their focus back to attention. I've stopped in a lesson and told stories that may be humorous or interesting - something that is loosley related to our topic. Then, with that short mental break behind us, we're ready to go back to it. Barry Westling

Cynthia, Too, students can feel unprepared, be ill, feel lost, distracted by other things (homelife, financial, family issues, etc.), or not even interested in the class lesson for whatever reason. It's good to have a Plan-B to fall back on in order vto maintain an effective class session. Barry Westling