Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Eduard, True, perhaps the amount of time and value in relation to the topic makes a difference in choosing a game activity over some other activity. Students do need to feel whatever they're doing is meaningful and adds to learning, not just filling time. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Christopher, I think you're idea of soliciting ideas or assistance from students is terrific! I'm sure they feel a bit more fulfilled when their teacher askes for their input in this way. I firmly believe that the best PPT slides guide discussions, as there are much better ways for students to get printed information (rather than from a slide and maybe handouts). The exceptions are illustrations, graphs, photos, diagrams, figures, or charts that really do promote better discussions when projected. Otherwise, a category title with a few bullet points is all that is really needed. Inserting intersting links, short videos,… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Eduard, Career school education is different from other educational settings, not better or worse, just different. If you have experienced career school teachers sharing what they know, what works better, sort of showing the ropes, I think that's terric. A good teacher is always open and willing to learn new things, ways, methods, and receive input from others leading to personal self improvement. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Rockford, Great fooder for getting teachers to diminish their influence on students independent thinking. In career courses there is theory that must be mastered. But increasingly, students (and graduates) are being held to a standard with crical thinkings expectations. To facilitate effective independent thought, we got's-ta get outta da way". Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Nancy, Great. Other than small group discussions or individual lab practice, I don't think having the students split up is a good idea either. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Nancy, Great perspective and suggestions. As a back-up plan, I usually avoid video's just because they are static, allow for no engagement, and students can tune out. I have some 2-3 minute video's or DVD's that are pertinent to the some lessons, and these are good because they're short, to the point, and are specific to the lesson. The other change up's you mentioned are great, add variety, and help keep student attention. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Christopher, I agree that students pick up the teacher's ways (and degree of preparation) very quickly. The teacher should "command the environment", not in the sense of an autocratic boss, but as a skilled facilitator of learning, ready and willing to assist students in their studies. Much of of this is silently "telegraphed" to students in the way a class is organized and conducted. Prepared and organized from day one sets the tone for the remainder of days in that class. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Nancy, One thing for sure, we have to be authentic and genuine, portraying ourselves as we naturally are or students will detect something artificial in our delivery. If they see someone who seems sincere, that adds credibility. Trying to be a certain way that is not natural will not contribute to students feeling comfortable with their teacher. We all have a personality that can positively contribute to good classes if we project being approachable, honest and truthful, confident, and prepared. These traits ought to be universal for teachers who want to convey they are interested in their students success. Barry… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Karl, No doubt, this is good information. I think student centered teachers are willing to veer off track from their prepared curriculum to get students to learn the needed material. A teacher may possess the most awesome curriculum, yet if some students have difficulty with understanding, a great curriculum isn't going to help them. Individualized and personal attention can, and this focus on student needs rather than "curricular needs" can make the difference in student success or failure in some cases. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Nancy, Great. I think the reasons stated are realistic and can be a tool for self improvement. Barry Westling