Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Sokpheap, Great concept. Knowledge, skill, and attitude all play an important role in our mission to prepare students. "Grade-smart" is not helpful if a graduate is not "people-smart", or all thumbs, skill wise. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Amanda, Very true. I think also, there is less stress by both instructor and student, and that helps keep information freer and everyone more relaxed, which I think helps the learning process. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Sokpheap, You're right. Our job as instructor includes and requires we be prepared for classes. Students are quick to pick up when an instructor is less than fully prepared. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Joseph, I think these two resources are one of the hiiden gems in vocational education. They inspire and can motivate students in a way unlike most any other resource! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Sokpheap, Also, pretesting helps the instructor plan their course with emphasis added (or removed) where it may assist students meet the learning objectives better. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Brenda, Very good. These are all great methods that are effective inm reengaging students. Sometimes it doesn't take a lot (simple steps), and sometimes more aggressive measures are needed. Of course, any effort we take will contribute to more attention, focus, and improved student outcomes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Dionne, I like the time I plan to discuss student performance. It gives a unique 1 on 1 opportnity to connect with each student, sharing ideas, suggestions, and advice. This is also a time I use to listen...to whatever. I think the more comfortable students are chatting with their instructor, the better will be the relationship, and perhaps improved trust and respect - both ways. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

James, Yes, and you've articulated well the point that a teaching journal can be whatever the teacher wants it to be, personalizing with observations, notes, comments, and other such documentation that may or may not be useful in the future. That's the thing, we often don't know what will be useful until later on. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Brenda, Right, and the more variety we can use contributes to more interesting classes and potentially better retention of needed information. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Samuel, Thanks. Being flexible and open to other viewpoints can only help. Stephen Covey (7-Habits) says "seek first to understand, then be understood". Barry Westling