Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Susan, If there was time, collaborative learning and interactive discussion would attract and maintain the focus of most students. Since abundant time is not always available, these activities in small doses or occupying a small part of class is better than the static "lecture and listen". Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Suzanna, Of course, too much animation is just as distracting. Sincerity, enthusiasm, and being upbeat while sharing cutrrent and accurate information can overcome personality defects. Students are generally open to a teacher they feel is genuinely trying to help them in their career pursuits. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Russell, Good worker are critical tyhinkers in my opinion. We should teach and practice critical thinking in our courses because, as you say, we really can't teach them everything they will need to know. But if we teach them how to think and approach situations they will be prepared to logically arrive at an answer. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Demarcus, In the workplace, one never knows when something they learned in school may apply. Having a comprehensive educational experience will be beneficial for those times the worker needs to pull information out of their long term memory. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Charmelia, For me, those maximum benefits are a prepared mind, with knowledge and skills appropriate to get them a good job that can springborad them to better jobs and and perhaps a career. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Susan, Time well spent when it benefits students. An overused axiom these days, "insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result" (A. Einstein). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Kundukisa, Experience is a good teacher. But those experiences we learn from are valuable only to the degree we make changes or remember from the past, and the journal is the perfect place to record them. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Kenny, Sometimes a guest speaker will compliment or add to some point we've made. One strategy is to ask the guest speaker "would you please mention...XYZ?" That way, you'll know information will be mentioned. Also, sometimes conflicting information about some segment may be mentioned. This same strategy can be helpful. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

QUINTIN, Right. If we want to see improvement, something different has to occur. A journal is the perfect place to keep track of this all. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Suzanna, Your internal drive to help students really determines much about how you see yourself and the benefits that result to your students. Barry Westling