Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Tammy: Great! If students arn't job ready, we have not done our job. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Mark: Reflection on past events can be very instructive. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Hi Tammy: Segmenting course content in this way should assist all students getting needed information. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Gregory: Well, it sounds like you benefit a lot from this assessment adjunct. Great!. We should use everything that ultimately helps the student achieve all of their learning objectives. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Kimberly: I'm glad this makes sense to you. And I would say use it if you feel it would help you and/or the students. I will occasionally do a pretest for reasons taht help me understand where the students are in their learning. Use it if it helps you. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Hi Gregory: I think this a good point. Especially for teachers who have taught the same or related topics for years, there is a tendancy to keep adding until "only an expert" could realyy grasp all that being dished out. Sensitivity to student needs is definitely a lesson learned well. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Dennis: Great self analysis and sharing of your personal experiences. I think this is similar for many instructors. For me, whenever I can personalize instruction to assist a student learn in a manner they can relate to, I feel I'm acting in a student-centered fashion. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Dennis: Getting to that "relaxed point" really can only come to most after a bit of time being angst, tense, and stressed out about how the classes are going. So, kudo's to you. I think we all do better when we relaxed and confident in the subject matter. Students do better as well. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Sharon: Well, some would say "knowledge without application is useless". While there's a message to be appreciated, that's probably not entirely true. But whenever we can add a hands on activity, it'll probably make the class more interesting and benefit students by improved retention. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Nolan: I think when I'm prepared and organized, I just teach better. I have all my resources, the class runs smoothly, and transitions from topic to topic flow effotlessly. I think student like this environment too, and it helps them learn better as well. Regards, Barry