Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Loretta, Yes, and I think as individuals, our diverse personalities is what makes learning fun. I think being honest and true portrayals of ourselves works best, as students will pick up pretty quickly if a teacher is disingenuous. These traits every teacher has: authentic; approachable; caring; on time and prepared for class; willingness to listen and offer support when applicable; and confidence in their ability to teach. With these, mixed with our unique personalities, will contribute to successful course sessions. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Loretta, Many diiferent perspectives about the teacher are possible when students appear for the class of an unprepared teacher. What probably occurs with regards to respect? Sincerity? Wiilingness to listen? Full engagement? And as you infer, competence? Our job is to be ready and perhaps students will emulate that. But even if they don't that doesn't diminish our responsibilities to the student we are accountable to. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Brian, Getting a class organized with prepared copies, handouts, resources, equipment, etc. does take some time and planning, but it pays off in having the class run smoothly, seamlessly transitioning from topic to topic. This benefits the students and, as you say, helps the teacher feel at ease with their class facilitation. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Yevette, Yes, without some feedback, how the heck is the student expected to make modifications, work harder on areas that need emphasis, or get more help with select assignments? We can also use the time to encourage, give support, and convey that we care about their successfulness. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Roxsie, Great! Tools that students can relate to, they're going to use. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Daniel, Yes, it is wonderful to see students bring to fruition the benefits a good education can provide. I think if students can apply the knowledge they learn in school, and that has included thinking skills for use in the workplace. we'll have accomplished an admirable accomplishment! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Tara, Very cool. Your class sounds like it'd fun to review in before a test. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Tara, This will help too. Studies show that student retain information better when they are actively involved - moving, participating, engaged in lively disccussion. Getting information from short term to long term memory is helped with kinesthetic activities too. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Karl, Good. Preparing them beyond just knowledge but with ability to sustain their employment for a better life is a goal that any tacher could be proud of. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Kristen, Before a cold call, if there is an individual or type of individual from your industry you think would make a good guest speaker, ways to reach out to that person might include contacts you already have with salespersons, community, civic or professional society, former supervisors, or even the Chamber of Commerce. Second level contacts might be church, your doctor or dentist, or fitness club/gym, as these people are in contact with everyone within a community. The idea is to try to get an inside referral, so that your call is based on someone the potential guest already knows.… >>>