Barry Westling

Sandhya, There's a saying: "see one, do one, teach one". It suggests that visual and kinesthetic presentation promotes learning to the degree that allows return demonstration, i.e., instruction to others. And mastery of a task is best confirmed by teaching others. It's also a way for the student to determine at what level their own level of mastery is. If they hit a roadblock, they've just identified where a little work or practice is needed. Barry Westling

Vickie, Real life situations related to the job force are a great way to capture attention and demonstrate or illustrate a key point that students should remember. It adds flavor to the learning process, and learning is really at the core of our goal for educating. Barry Westling

Sandhya, Anything that guides instructors to making ongoing improvements in their classes is worthy of doing, and a teaching journal can serve that purpose. It takes little time but can be quite valuable later on. And its personal in a way that allows the instructor to jot notes and use it any way they feel is helpful. Barry Westling

Sandhya, Another benefit to arriving early is I always find it provides me a few minutes of quality time with students as they arrive. I can answer questions, convey information, or just chat. And in doing so, I think the trust and respect level increases as a result. But the time and effort to get things readied beforehand is a necessity. Barry Westling

Cathleen, I think a good guest speaker can stimulate thought and give students an opportunity to ask questions in a way they might not even think to ask their instructor. Asking good questions is a reliable sign that students are thinking, and getting students to think about topics in thier course is always a good thing. Barry Westling

Leigh, You've already experienced the tremendous benefit the use of field trips in the curriculum affords you. Students are usually impressed and inspired following a good experience, and some weaker students may even become motivated to improve based on their "eyes being opened" by the new found knowledge gained, and the the internal drive to be a part of it. Barry Westling

Robert, Great!. I say its like a journey. We need a map and a plan. And we need feedback to measure how close to the destination we are. Frequent progress reports help share where the students are iun their learning, give us instructors the opportunity to share both advice and encouragement, and if done in a caring manner, helps build stronger student/instructor relationships. Barry Westling

Melissa, You're fortunate there's an institution-wide policy in place where you work. Many settings allow their instructors to develop their own policies which, in the case of extra credit, doesn't work well (in terms of helping students learn) most of the time. Barry Westling

Melissa, Great suggestions for all to consider. I think a good back up plan is one that is capable of being substituted for the planned activity and the students would not even know the difference. Low tech, easy and quick to implement, interesting, and relative to the course of study - these would be elements every back-up plan incorporates, as we don't want students to feel like they're just filling time. Barry Westling

Melissa, Being genuine is a personal trait that most people are attracted to. It is far better to be an authenic version of ourselves than to fake a version of someone we're not. We all have uniqunesses that can emphasized in the classroom, and if we convey those attributes that convey we're patient, approachable, and care about our students, they're apt to pick up on that and in return, offer respect and trust. Barry Westling