Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Eugene: Each teacher has their own version of themselves and allowing that natural and sincere person out of the bottle will reveal the confident, competent instructor ideling inside. Delivery and presentation are the only visible evidence of waht the teacher is thinking, conveying, their point, or their knowledge. Being relaxed and calm helps create that for the class. Humor can season a lesson if not overdone. I think of the metaphor of the teacher as a tool. Our focus is not the tool, but what it can accomplish. And their thousands of specialized "tools" that can potentially be very… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Eugene: Nice sentiment you've expressed. Student centered simply shifts the focus away from our need to teach, to the student need and desire to learn. That may mean adjusting, tweaking, individualizing, whatever will help us facilitate positive student outcomes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Sheril: Yes, these are the mechanics of these activities. The result can be awesome, even life changing. Providing an inner inspirational motivation to succeed can be a very powerful force that commits a student to work harder in school to be a success in the work setting. When a student can visualize a (potential) successful future for themselves, few will let that dream get away from them if they can help it. These are great activities to add to almost any course and should be done as often as is practical. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Joseph: Delivery and presentation is the only thing a student sees as an outward expression of the teachers intent, meaning, or knowledge. Being good natured, genuine and sincere, honest and open, and caring with support and encouragement, however that's conveyed will nearly always provide a good basic successful presentation style. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Robin: I think it's important the course objectives and student learning outcomes are met. If skills are involved, repeated practice contributes to mastery. Relating supplemental material to the work setting compliments and reinforces the work skills and knowledge the student is being trained for. Together, these create a good starting point. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Joseph: A plan such as you describe seems like you're able to adapt as needs or circumstances require your curricular plans to change. Adaptation and it's insertion in a seamless manner make for good, prepared classes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Kathleen: All you describe to get a student job ready pretty much summarizes the taining aspect of the goals. You mention the professional work behaviors, which are very important. They arn't covered specifically in many programs and more students are arriving in school with little to no background on the work courtesies and best practices that ultimate contribute to keeping a worker employed. Thanks! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Patrick: We can also use this ooportunity to encourage, offer support, advice, and suggestions for improvement. If students feel the teachers care about their learning, they may be tempted to try a little harder and impact their final grade. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Phillip: For me, I choose not to give extra credit at all. When a class begins, I believe it should contain all of the elements of the class including assignments, grading, grading scale - in short, it's all done in the beginning of the class. Adding something extra (unless it's given to all students and graded the same way) can be viewed as unfair, particularly by the better performing students who may feel slighted for slackers who get extra chances to bring their grade up. Extra credit is about points and grades, and less about learning required material. Regards,… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Phillip: Good idea. Students can reveal a lot about themselves, their writing, their views in even a short paragraph. This a good example of a version of a pre-test. Regards, Barry