Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Scott, I really like passionate teachers. Their enthusisam and positive tone seem to automatically command attention and focus. Obviously, getting and keeping students engaged this is paramount to the instructional plan. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Michelle, I think students enjoy to hear stories(and therefore pay attention) and past situations that relate to the job they're preparing for. It's a style of teaching that has been around for centuries. For those that are natural conversationalists, this would be a wonderful activity and approach to teaching, along with other instructional strategies of course. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

John, Great! Just remember that there is no standard to follow. The comments and journal notes are yours and yours only, so feel free to memorialize and document any way you feel is appropriate or have time for. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Brezita, Yes, and our desire to be better teachers by our improvements are enhanced with tools that include the teaching journal. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Lisa, Journals have a remarkable ability to shine a light on ourselves in a way that few other methods can. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Angela, Great! And this effect is what gives us the title "experienced educator". Overtime, we grow, and improve. That makes us better and usually this shows in student outcomes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Brezita, That "flow" is interesting, isn't it? Preparedness makes classes rum smoothly and transitions from topic to topic flow seamlessly. You're right, much success depends on the degree of teacher preparedness. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Carole, Respect is a two way street for sure. When students see our commitment they're at least be more likely to be a bit more diligent with their studies than when the teacher appears unprepared or disorganized. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Michelle, Yes, and I find that students are more apt to pose probing questions in these environments than they might in their regular classes. Perhaps they feel more anonoymous in these settings and therefore more comfortable asking. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Jeffrey, In my opinion, yes, student centered learning provides an opportunity to plan with creativity, reasoning, and stimulate critical thinking on an individual, personalized basis. Barry Westling