Barry Westling

Hi Larry: Feedback "feeds"; whereas starving results when feeding is absent. I like to five status reports frequently, face to face, and early on (to give time for improvement). I can also use the time to offer advice, support, and convey my interest in the students success. They will appreciate that. Regards, Barry

Hi Laurel: Whatever you use, you value the advantage of reflection on past classes, notes to yourself, observations about students, needed resources, or whatever else you want to keep a record of. At least, this is how I prefer to journalize. Regards, Barry

Hi Kay: Good! I think we all have a personality with positive attributes suitable for teaching. I think it's also important that we portrary real versions of ourselves, rather than an artificial version of someone else (like a respected teacher or mentor). Being sincere and honest, approachable and caring can do much to convey to a class "this teacher cares about my success". Regards, Barry

Hi William: Sometome I'll contrast student-centered vs curriculum centered. In the latter, the teacher plods forward in their prepared curriculum regardless if students learn or not. Rather, individualizing instruction in a manner that each and every student gets it is a way to describe student centered. Obviously, this is a much better route to take. Regards, Barry

Hi Kay: Great! Vocational and technical schools are filled with SME's - that's why we were hired in the first place. So getting student's job ready is one primary goal. Also providing profressionalism, communication, and other related soft skills are important since these are applicable in most any job or work setting regardless of the profession. Regards, Barry

Hi Laurel: Our personality can definitely make a difference. Nothing beats enthusiasm, energy, passion, and ecitement in conveying our interest in teaching this class today. That upbeat approach is contagious and I think can bring the otherwise dull mood up a notch or two just by our gusto. But it has to be natural and sincere. Students want authenticity. So we have to be real or students may get turned off. Regards, Barry

Hi William: Super! I think when students see their teacher is prepared it makes them take things a bit more seriously. The reverse is also true. Disorganization creates chaos in the minds of students. And being unprepared, well how effective can instruction be? Regards, Barry

Hi Larry: Great! When students enter a classroom and see their instructor ready with all the class resources laid out, it conveys time and effort has gone into this class, and I think that adds to more respect and trust by students. Regards, Barry

Hi Larry: We all have a personality that has some attributes that can be used to teach classes with effectiveness. Using our best traits with sicerity, along with preparedness can provide ample opportunity to conduct classes with success and metting the student learning outcomes. Regards, Barry

Hi Larry: Mixing up activity is a great tool, especially in some classes, math among them. Keeping students focused and attentive is our job and can be handled from simple steps (moving about the room, calling on non-volunteer students, stepping next to a student, etc), to more agressive moves(such as changing activities, taking a break, facilitating a discussion, etc.). Keeping the class interesting will help with reengagement too. Regards, Barry