Barry Westling

Hi Alvin, Absoulutely! I don't know why some teachers are uncomfortable with their personality and ability to deliver course content effectively. I suppose there are many potential reasons, but I know that students will trust and a respect a teacher more if they present a genuine and authenic version of themselves to the class. Barry Westling

Hi Mitessa, I base my pretests on the specific course. I usually have 2-4 Student Learning Outcomes (SLO's), and maybe 15-25 course objectives. Buried in these are basic principles that I will want the students to have by course end. So I may create 20-25 questions, less if essay style, to assess basic understanding of key objectives. From that, I get a good sense about where students are coming into the course. Barry Westling

Hi Mitessa, Good planning. As a facilitator, I try to remember where my students are at and look at things from their perspective. Choosing media I might think is appropriate may not be the best for some students. So, just being aware makes teachers just a bit more conscientious. Barry Westling

Hi Dellene, I'm with you. Creating a confidence goes beyond learning the material. Like you, I think instilling confidence in students takes extra effort and is not automatically "acquired", just becasue a student does well in a class. Some students need extra nuturing, and caring, thoughtful encouragement. Barry Westling

Kelli, Hopefully these posts and other informatiuon from this class will foster ideas you can use to futher continuous improvement sentiments. Barry Westling

Hi Kelli, I think index cards are wonderful, I use them too (some are very old, trusted friends). I refer to them as you imply and it's a satisfactory alternative to some sort of electronic or traditional written journal or personal diary. Barry Westling

Hi Alvin, I have to agree when the instructor is calm, prepared and relaxed it conveys a learning environment that creates more clarity, and limits the chaos and calamity that can be present when hurried, unprepared teaching readiness is absent. Barry Westling

Hi Edward, I think most teachers were hired becasue of past training and education, experience, and knowledge about a some specific topic areas. The question is "is someone campable of sharing that knowledge, facilitating instruction, and guiding students to to a memorable learning experience. Confidendence goes well with the competence already possessed. So, patience, being approachable, and willing to appreciate students don't have the background the teacher comes in with - these attributes will contribute to teachers becoming continuously improved instructional helpers. Barry Westling

Hi Kelli, A good speaker can inspire, motivate, and illuminate a subject, essentially capitavting the class. The opportunity to provide real world experience coupled with the (typically) informal opportunity to ask virtually any question is invaluable. The only "bad" guest speakers I've had, and they've been few, were a couple of egocentric do-do's who were more interested in their accomplishments than sharing information about the profession. So, some care in screening and defining what the expectations are can make for the best speaker activity. Barry Westling