Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Sarah: You make a good point when describing the difficulty of selection. As much as possible, any hands on evaluation that can be done is optimal. This would clearly reveal if the student was able to do what you've taught. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Carol: This is a great idea to use the sense of touch in your class, which will definitely increase the learning for visual and kinesthetic types of learners. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Preparing to Manage Your Class

Hi Margaret: Truly, if we come off too intense or authoritarian in the beginning, it may serve to intimidate the student and close off an otherwise open line of communication. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Sara: Very true! Students finishi up at different times, so back-up activities are a great way to address this. Another idea is using the back-up plans regardless as a way of breaking up the flow of the learning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Van: Good points. I think we need to keep the student's outcomes in mind at all times. What do we want them to be able to do at the end of the course? Is there a way we can be more effective instructors? Being mindful of these kind of questions. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Ed: Excellent - so what we're talking about is the student gets a renewed perspective of what you've been talking about in class, and this is especially important to maintain when we're dealing with career classes like you are describing. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Ed: Nice point - we should never read the slides to the students. Instead, it is considered more effective to "expound" on the information in the slide. Power-point can get dull, so we should be ready to have an alternate activity to reinforce the learning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Chris: Absolutely. What message does it send the students if the instructor is constantly disorganized? It would be terrible to imply to the students "I'm not prepared because I don't care". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Chris: True, although, there should always be a balance. What if the instructor has a quick temper? It's great to be "real" but there should also be an element of professionalism. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Chris: I want to touch a bit more on this idea of a "safe zone" you've described. I think that is very important to have in your environment, because it will facilitate communication between the instructor and students. Having open communication is paramount to equal success. Regards, Barry