Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Timothy: Every time you can get students to a job site or a work-related setting, or even getting a guest speaker, the students will pay more attention and retain more of what they see and hear. This activity has an amzazing abilty to capture student interest and attention. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Michael: I've found that students like stories (here's an opportunity to share experience). If we can incorporate a story into the lesson, students will remember the story, and hopefully the message. So, in delivery selection, perhaps, discussion, class presentation, and peer teaching might be particularly good methods to enhance student learning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Keelan: Good! When students understand their status, they will be more motivated to continue their good work, and improve based on the positive feedback they get from their instructor. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Michael: Personality and instructor style can be so varied and different. I think as long as the instructor projects competence and confidence, takes an interest in all the students, and is naturally interesting or makes the class interesting, the personality part will be like a seasoning sprinkled over a well cooked meal. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Nisa: Class time is not too different from expectations students might find in the work setting. So timeliness, readiness, prepardness are all essential to creating a proper environment for learning. Your demonstration of professionalism is the way to go. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Nisa: Great complementary use of senses and student engagement. Color with just about anything enhances memory and retention of information. Getting students up to the board to draw helps also, which I'm sure you've done in past lessons. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Yaima: I really value the 1-on-1 time I can give my students, and that includes when I'm discussing their performance. It gives me an opportunity to both share information and cheer them on. They usually appreciate that. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Hi Yaima: Sufficient suggests "enough". Selection suggests "choice". So, we have the choice to choose the most varied and useful resources that will achieve and exceed what the student needs. This requires planning, effort, and thought. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Yaima: Good preparation requires an organized effort too. Since motivation lies within, capturing the interest of students through our planning can make the difference between just mediocre and "wow!". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi William: When students perceive that this activity is not a "test" but a preview of what they know and where emphasis in the class will be, they're more likely to participate with more interest and seriousness. Regards, Barry