Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Mark: It is a good idea for instructors to occasionally ask themselves "am I prepared"? If the answer to that is "no", that unpreparedness will undoubtedly manifest itself in the classroom in front of the students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Jeanette: By understanding ourselves, we gain the opportunity to make continual improvements on our teaching styles, always striving to become more efficient. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Brian: You're correct, these can be a great way to gauge the students and their understanding/comprehension prior to beginning the class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi James: Great self analysis! We are more effective when we understand where our strengths and uniquenes's stand out and can be incorporated into our teachers personality. And the closer that personality is to our real selves, honest, creative, and sincere instructional sessions will be the result. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Amanda: Right! Activity, especially phyiscal movement such as lab or exercises that emphasis class interaction are useful break "stagnation lessons" (needed but not embraced with lots of enthusiasm and interest). Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Amanda: You're right. Adult learners want to know how they're doing, even if it's less than wonderful news. I like taking time to share status to facilitate my relationship, encourage, and give advice. Most students appreciate the personal touch. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Robert: Students learn best when they are involved in the instructional process. After working long hours, a good technique is to get the student to instruct themselves and or their classmates. This will help keep them interested and engaged without unneded focus on being tired. Just an idea. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Robert: I've used pretesting when I begin a new topic that requires prerequisite knowledge to understand the new information. I learn what areas might need review, emphasis, or skipped over. Altogether, I try to avoid wasted time on material students already know. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Richard: Journals are so varied - teachers use them for all sorts of reasons and in many different formats. Reflection, teaching tips, observations, personal notes - all of these assist instructors memoralize ideas and thoughts of the days activities from a variety of perspectives. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Lamarr: Getting face to face time to share status, performance, give advice and encouragement is so valuable. It helps buid relationships too. Kind words of support really go a long way. Regards, Barry