Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Tara, Great question. There are a lot of variables but I can share ideas that have worked for me. I have classes that are from 20-25 in a session at a time. In a hospital, the group can meet in the waiting room or lobby, or even the parking lot. By yourself, you can take teams of 5-6 to the area to be observed while the waiting students have a "waiting" assignment (discussion, writing questions to be asked, etc.). If there are several areas that are to be visited, the class can be divided, with each group visiting different areas,… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Tara, I believe most teachers come to the classroom already quite competent in their specialty area of expertise. As you imply, our personal knowledge about a subject really has little to do with the more important responsibility to convey that information to our students. Teaching (or facilitating) a class is work, and requires concentration on doing it the best we can to assure the students are getting the needed material. And being sensitive to how our delivery is coming across can determine whether students get that needed information or not. As a student centered teacher, it's likely they will. Barry… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Dana, Good thoughts. Having a sense about the effectiveness of our delivery can contribute to making adjustments or modify what we say, do, and act, and the activities we plan when we keep the focus on how students are or will respond. Student centered keeps students needs and interests at the forefront of planning our classes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Karen, Broadly speaking, we need to assure that our students are prepared with the skills and knowledge that prepare them to be effective in the work force. Adding professionalism (attendance, dress, business etiquette)also better prepares them for sustanining their employment once they find their chosen work place. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Karen, The multitude of benefits that result from a good field trip far outweigh the time and effort to plan them. These are ususally memorable for a lifetime. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Paul, Yes, pretesting is a useful teacher tool, especially when the teacher is unfamiliar with the students.I don't pretest all the time. I do it when areas of emphasis are not completely apparent to me. Results from pretesting shows me those areas and allows me to adjust or modify the curriculum in order to meet student needs. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Paul, Great. There is some theory that most classes require and students just have to learn. But then there is the situational problems that occur in class and the workplace that can never be fully addressed beforehand. So getting students to the place where they can think on their feet is a lofty, but important goal all teachers should aspire to impart to their students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Daniel, I think a key statement you've made is "while it's still fresh". For me, I get ideas all the time, none the least is immediate;ly following a class. When think about how it went and could have been done to make it better the next go around., that's what what I want to record because I'm sure to forget at least half of what I thought was imp[ortnat. A journal is a perfect place to record these kind of comments. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Paul, Very true. Wasted time is very problematic because it's so valuable and we have so little (certainly not enough to waste). Prepared beforehand with copies made, handouts ready, materials readied, resources gathered - all of this sets the tone that says "I'm here, ready to get toy work, and so should you". Also, I like to chat a bit before class with students who arrive early, and having everything set beforehand allows me to have that quality 1 on 1 time, or be available to answer any questions. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Paul, Right. I think teachers can get caught up in their curriculum and what they want to do so much that sometimes they lose sight of their purpose of being there for their students. Student centered teachers are willing to be flexible, tolerant of variations in performance, patient, and approachable to assist students. As you say, when students feel that connection, they will likely to better. Barry Westling