Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Gregory: You've touced on some very easy to implemment methods to reengage. Sometimes it takes more effort, like changing gears from lecture to lab, but more often then not, demanding the students attention by direct eye contack , questioning, standing near distracted students, or circulating about the room can make a difference. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Gregory: Yes, and pretesting can identify where more (or less) emphasis may be needed. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Robert: Yes, by all means. When the students feel you care, they'll mirror that sentiment, with attention and better performance being the result. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Gregory: Not bad at all. For me, providing the essential knowledge provided in the course objectives and student learning outcomes has to be covered. If there are any skills, time for practice and deloping these needs to be given. Coupled with our expertise, the curriculum, media choices, and student commitment, the students should be prepared for the next class or the work setting (if it's a career program). Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Gregory: You've covered a lot of ground here. I'll comment that we all can "entertain" to some degree, and it's probably helpful and useful, even to the teacher to be "up" during their presentation. I also think students appreciate the down to earth, natural version of ourselves that is genuine and honest, caring and trusting, patient and tolerant, all the while portraying the lesson with enthusiasm, interest, and passion. These are attractive attributes when listening to articulate and dynamic speakers. In short, we all have a version of ourselves that can more than adequately deliver successful, effective lessons by… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Arthur: Yes - facilitating the possession of technical information and skills that are directly applicable to a career area is one component of learning. Therory is important, as it lays the foundation, and many professions require certifications, licensing or credentialiling, and the involves a lot of the fundamental, theory portions of a topic. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Arthur: Good. Reducing angst is always a good thing. I think frequent and in-person sharing of grades and course status is important. We can also use this time to show we care by listening, giving support and encouragement along with advice and suggestions for imporvement. Students need time for corrective strategies to take effect, so waiting until too late in the term won't help much. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Arthur: Well, I get your point; I could have a sidebar about learning always being easy. But you've got a point about our personal preparation being necessary. The thought, planning, effort, and time that's put into a lesson will be evident as the class proceeds. Materials are ready, Handouts are copied. Slides and lecture flows smoothly and seamlessly from transition to transition. Questions are drawn right into the lesson as if planned that way. Then back to the lesson. Students will expect classs to be under the control of the teacher. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Sandy: As educators we've probably learned to use whatever we have as training aids. But if we have choices, the more varied and useful to convey the lesson message, the more beneficial the lesson will be. Breaking up or mixing up different media into segments helps keep a good attention span. Just as the mind begins to wander (about 20 minutes), swith to a different media. PPT, with whiteboard, with training aid, with written exercise, with textbook reading, back to PPT, etc. Incorporating lab will also help cement the practical aspects. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Emily: Good guest speakers and dynamic field trip can offer a perspective unlike anything we can provide in the classroom or clinic. Students get motivated, questions get answered, and student usually leave both inspired and enthusiastic about their career choice. Often, these activities create an inner drive that makes for a very powerful focus and perspective about the merits of trying harder to achieve better results. Awesome! Regrads, Barry