Barry Westling

Jason, For me, journalizing helps me remember moments, reflect on expereiences, and measure personal growth. This can only occur over time and looking back where I've been. A journal helps me do that. Barry Westling

Sherri , A good back up plan should be as effective as the regularly planned activity, such that if it needs to be implemented, the students would not even know it was not what the instructor had planned all along. Barry Westling

Sherri , Very true. Students minds can process information many times faster than an instructor can speak or present material. As you say, to keep interest, we have to be interesting, or atr least porepare material so that our deliivery is interesting where bu8sy minds stay on track with the lesson material. Personalizing material, and topics related to the career being trained for are two surefire ways to keep interest. Barry Westling

Sherri , A well organized daily plan accompanied by the necessary preparation conveys confidence and competrence, and students both recognize and appreciate the effort. Of course, good preparation helps the teacher the most, as you've implied. Barry Westling

Barbie, Helping students prepare adequately for their career is admirable. Instructors are often constrained by the process of instruction, institutional policies, prepared and restrictive curriculum, and instructors who lack creativity or are unwilling to be flexible in their willingness to help students. Sometimes it's as if the students learning takes second seat to following all the rules correctly. Student centered instructors try to avoid these pitfalls and hurdles and have the will to work with each student on an individual basis to make sure they get the needed learning required. Barry Westling

Ron, I believe whenever students are involved in their instructional process they're going to benefit more than if everything is just handed to them or dished out without regard for their participation. So, I would put selecting assessment criteria into that category. Barry Westling

Chad, Learning is what matters. I agree if process requires adaptation in the name of helping students learn, then we are better serving our students by meeting their need in lieu of preplanned processes. Barry Westling

Irina, Right, these are important. These are earned by an attentive instructor who the students feel their teacher is working to see them succeed. Barry Westling

Chad, I agree. I feel that organization and flexibility are both attributes that will contribute to being ready for whatever occurs in the class. Sometimes, the occasion calls for more explanation. Our preparation should allow for the needed change-ups that inevitibly will be present in the day to day instructional process. An prepared and organized instructor will be able to take that in stride. Barry Westling

Chad, Sounds like a great approach. Students are keen to instructors who they feel are genuinely interested in their success and who demonstrate that perspective in their deeds. Being willing to do things a bit differently in order to accomodate a student is an exemplary act that demonstrates the spirit of student centered learning. Barry Westling