Barry Westling

Paul, I thank you have a good handle on it. As for other reasons, I'm not sure of the frequency rating, but I notice, not prepared, distracted, illness, tiredness, worry and stress, and familiy and/or financial worries are strong distractors to overcome. We can be a shelter from these woes (at least while in school) if we can keep them engaged in some of the ways you describe. Barry Westling

James, I agree. Relating to students "as is, where is" is a real key and takes some effort and willingness to venture from our secure and safe pearch. But student attention is the result for those who are successful. Barry Westling

Jeanine, We want to plan for the worst, so plans need to be low-tech (not requiring anything electrical or computerized). Activities that can done with minimal preparation, and implemented quickly are good too. Finally, topics related to the subject matter must be a part of it. Among things I think work well are small group discussions, share-pair, student-led class presentation, course review, reading assignments with a written summary assignment, and competition-like games (i.e. Jeopardy-style) that require students to challenge each other with course material. Just a few thoughts to get you thinking what would work best for you. Barry Westling

David, You are correct. The independent execution of defined outcomes adequately defines meeting all SLO's. Barry Westling

Terry, Everyone appreciates a lighthearted moment when in the throws of a tedious instructional period. Barry Westling

Terry, Right. We can try to control innappropriate uses of technology. Over time, I have found that "self-regulation" works best. Through the lens of professionalism and "the rules", I depend on, and give responsibility for compliance back to the student. Then if there are problems, it's a behavioral thing on their part, not a nagging problem from me. Barry Westling

Melanie, Humor has it's place, and can oftentimes reach students who are otherwise a bit closed. Too much of anything is probably not good. But having a good sense of humor doen't necessarily mean always telling jokes. Just exposing the absurdities of life in examples we use helps illuminate that we are human, and that can help create more openness. Barry Westling

James, Self awareness and appreciation for diversity are two key elements in making our personalities fit into the accepatble level that reaches our students. Openness to other viewpoints and personalities creates more flexibility and assists being approachable by students. Barry Westling

Gina, Great. Too, I think true dedication has to be something internally driven, but we can create the setting for through role modeling. Also, examples of how not to be (not dedicated) can be very instructive to instill that inner drive to be as good as possible. Barry Westling

James, Most instructors who journalize find it becomes kind of addictive, especially after some time has elapsed and they review their notations. They invariably find the time is a wise investment. Barry Westling