Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Heather, I've used flash cards for years (I've actually retired several sets). This is a great way to review material, especially when there may just a few minutes left of class. When there's more tiome, I may start out reviewing, but find a word or defition that sparks a whole discussion. Students do like games, and any other thing that they view as fun. It makes class more interesting too. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Michael, This describes an ideal meth to lecture with discussion, interaction with students, illustration and exchange of ideas, and adapting the material to meet the flow of the class. Media are resources or tools that help teachers get the job done. Our task is to carefully select the most meaningful media that effectively getys the job done. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Eric, Yes, no disagreements here. If we can add professional topics (attendance, punctuality, dress, language, appearence, etc.), to the skill set, we are futhering the students chances of sustaining their employability. The majority of persons discharged is not for inability to perform the technical aspects, but rather the interpersonal and employer policies. So preparing students in this way helps them beyond the technical skills learned in the program. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Eric, You're right, we do have an obligation to our students, if not ourselves. It's a commitment we give in our trade as teachers. Students expect the most from us and being unprepared doesn't fit that model well at all. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Samuel, Good. Its a fact, we all have strengths and weaker areas, both in personlity and teaching effectiveness. It's natural to gravitate to what feels the best or what we're good at, whether that's in the best interest of the student or not, or the best way to teach a class. So, first "knowing where we shine, and where there's room to realign" identify where improvement is needed. Second, having the willingness and openess to modify or adjust our ways through self awareness is the action that creates the opportunity for improvement. I think there's no end-point to this process… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Heather, Yep, as it's said, "we've got one chance to make a good first impression". Organization leads to better prepared classes, perhaps more thorough and creative becuse our thoughts are organized. When we're prepared it just adds to a more interesting class. The hurried, frazzeled, hectic-pace teacher conveys less than a wonderful picture of competence and confidence. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

John, Well, I don't have statistics, just experience. We expect some students will get most of the answers, and most students will get somne of the answers. The information all students get correct needs less emphasis, and that which most students miss will need more emphasis. That's what my "experienced" mind tells me. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Dwayne, Great. PPT slides are a great tool. We just have to remember that is just that, a tool, and should never become the focus of attention. Like a carpenters hammer, it's the finished product, not the hammer that is to be appreciated. It just helped get the job done. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Kelly, Like any journey, there needs to be a destination, and sharing student progress is necessary as a benchmark to arriving at the desired destination. Less than that may result in arriving somewhere undesirable. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Kelly, Yes, pretesting can help the teacher plan to what degree information is (or isn't) needed. Barry Westling