Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Denise: Great! What I see as extremely beneficial is you engage the students, get them thinking, and use practical examples they'll see in the profession to complement your lecture and related lesson material. Discussion makes learning more interesting too. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Stephanie: And the question that always naturally follows this is what would be the impact if the instructor were constantly disorganized? If organization brings credibility and respect, would not the opposite bring a loss of credibility?

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Ashley: I've personally found a journal to help me tailor my classes the next run through and help identify what information was difficult for the student to understand. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Ashley: Very true - one way to keep sight of this philosophy is to use as many teaching activities as we can, which should promote the most robust learning environment that we can offer. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Robert: Exactly! By giving time to the question "how effective am I being here"? - give us the chance to gain insight on what would best serve the students needs. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Robert: One thing students can do on these trips is gain an opportunity to speak with people in the field and get answers to questions in a completely different perspective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi William: To add to your comment, something we can also do is work on improving BOTh our weaknesses and strengths to become more effective teaching coaches. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Freddie: In fact, many organizations are moving towards electronic grade books the students can access at any time to promote the very thing you mention. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Freddie: That's probably true. In the broader sense, we're usually talking about using a teaching journal as an adjunct to making our teaching more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Anna: This is especially important when guaging student success, and making on course corrections as need be. Regards, Barry