Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Tim: I like to try to plann face to face time with students as often as possible. This allows me to also encourage and lend support while I'm giving advice for improvement. I think this conveys "the teacher cares", and helps build trusting relationships. I like to begin this process early on so there is time available to make improvements. I prefer not to offer extra credit, and students know that from the beginning. Missed or poor performing assignments may mean the student has missed essential learning. I cannot reward that by offering EC.It may help raise the grade… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Margaret: I, too, prefer to create my own PPT slides as it helps me customize the slides to fit my order and sequencing of lesson material. I may use textbook images such as charts, graphs, diagrams, photos, or drawings, and occasionally, text if it's especially meaningful. It's important that slides supplement the teacher, and not become the lesson itself. If that were the case, we could just print the slides and hand them out. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Tim: Many teachers really do not have secure self image, as it relates to teaching. They may new and feel inadequate. They feel weak in one or more topic areas. I guess the list could very long. As educators, just like our students, when we idenify a weaker area that gives us an opportunity to work on improving it. Competence and confidence go together. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Shelley: Teaching journals can be whatever the teacher wants it to be, since it's purpose is to assist the teacher through reflection , a repository of notes, observations about classes, student questions - whatever. If a teacher finds using a journal useful, they should use one. If no value is seen, then it's nonproductive to spend time on something that just takes time and won't be used. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Michael: I agree and think field trips are extremely valuable. Beside what you mentioned, good trips often provide inspiration and motivation to students who may not have a clue as to what the real world of work they're training for includes.It also may help some in the subsequent class studies, having a "new found interest band desire to do well. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Laurel: Journals can be helpful, for me, mostly as a reflective tool after several months to years. Mine are varied and and follow no particular format, just information I observe about a given class, or notes I may want to reexamine at some future date. I think journals should be whatever the teacher wants it to be. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Laurel: Most people rely on the visual sense as it is retained in our memory differently then other methods of learning. Your natural propensity for visual examples and exercises can only assist your students as you are in your comfort zone when teaching this way. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Mark: Repitition is good as long as it's not boring. We can be creative while being repititious, as this enhances leaning and long term memory retention. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Matthew: Students tent to respect the information given by a good guest speaker. It reinforces their hopes for a brighter future. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Karen: Yes, these profesional skills can "make or break" a new worker, even if if they have all the technical skills to do the job. Regards, Barry