Barry Westling

Hi Juan, Gaining student trust and respect is paramount to providing a effective learning environment. With trust, students will be more willing to comply with our instructions and accept what we have to say. Barry Westling

Hi Adam, Boy, when students can look at themselves objectively, they are rising above barriers that would normally limit some from a fuller learning experience. Barry Westling

Hi Shantel, That's great you're so sensitive to individual needs. That's very important. And I think when a student feels you care by getting to know them, they'll be more open to your instruction. It helps get them relaxed! We learn better in this setting. Barry Westling

Hi George, I think the course outlines, learning outcomes, and career focus should guide the development of new and even existing classes. These should guide generally what we're doing and teaching in our classes. Also, looking at objectives will assist when establishing grading processes and assessing performance. Barry Westling

Hi Adam, I feel strongly we need to be authentic, genuine versions of ourselves. Students may not particularly like us, but they will appreciate our classes if we're genuine, honest and sincere about our duties as facilitators of learning. In this way, however our personality sits with students, they will respect us and the class if we take our classes as seriously as we expect of our students Barry Westling

Hi Michael, You've made a good illustration for others to consider following when they are in a similar situation whern confronted with prepared slides. The PPT should only be a guide anyway, not the focus of attention. PPT is a tool, and as facilitators, we need to use that tool, as well as many others to get our students to learn. Barry Westling

Hi Adam, I think you're right. And students view them as such. To be able to hear from someone in the profession, ask questions informally, and get inspired for working in the career field is invaluable. Barry Westling

Hi Amina, I am in agreement. EC affects points or grades, but does little for real learning. Barry Westling

Hi Amina, Yep. Pretesting allows a teacher to learn where their incoming students are position regarding prior knowledge. Also, it can provide a glimpse of "coming attractions" that may assist some students in their personal preparation. Barry Westling

Hi Amina, For me, a teaching journal has no set format; in fact I would caution against trying to emulate someone else's personal choices about what to include in a journal. It can a chronological record, documentation of needs noted, observations how a class was or was not successful, student comments, a teachers personal notes, facts or information respository, needed resources, etc. Barry Westling