Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Leonardo: For technical and career schools, of course the focus is job readiness. Besides course content, that can also require affective (soft skills), professionalism, customer service, and communication - all attributes that needed in any kob setting in most any profession or career choice. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Howard: I think interaction with students by individualizing their instruction produces the greater results, and the students feel better by it too. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Leonardo: Yes, and we all do have stronger and weaker attributes that make up the whole of who we are. Knowing how to use our weaker areas should not be avoided, but rather, embraced and practiced so as to make them stronger. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Leonardo: Super! I think a well executed field trip can be very important and vital to student learning. Students get motivated about their coursework, and the experience is usually quite meaningul for the student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi William: As teachers, we naturally need to know to what degree the students did (or did not) learn from our instruction. Testing and assessment of learning therefore are necessary ingredients of this process. I think it's important to recognize the myriad of methods available to the contemporay teacher to assess performance, knowledge, and understanding of course material. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Libi: True, our reslationship with students can be a essential ingredient to the trust, respect, and role modeling that occurs from thorough preparation. It's a duty all teachers should have to accept as a requirement for teaching. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Hi Latasha: Balancing the weight of the different components in a course takes careful planning, sometimes a bit of trial and error, and periodic evaluation and revision as needed. We want to keep in mind graded comonents exist to measure learning. Finding the best way to do that can be a challenge. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Steven: That's great when students feel their instructor is very approachable. It really helps keep the needed assignments (and discussions) focused and students attentive. Although we all have our own natural personality, our concern for student learning coupled with authenticity can make for very effective learning sessions. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Latasha: Giving EC is controversial; many schools and many more teachers don't allow it at all for reasons of fairness, grade inflation, and potential diminished learning outcomes for students. I tend not to award EC in my classes. Each teacher has to decide for themselves. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Cynthia: Great! When the teacher takes time (in or out of class) to personalize their student discussions, they reinforce the relationship, which helps build trust and respect. When we convey we care, that sometimes motivates students to try harder. Regards, Barry