Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Carolina: Good - this works well for you. Teachers use journals many different ways and for different outcomes. In all, they're all beneficial and very interesting to reflect on, especially after several years. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Paul: I believe the very basic responsibilty we have as teachers, even new teachers, is to prepare. Like practice, our presentation and lesson is going to be flat without planning, thought, and effort in gathering needed resoyrces, and materials students will need. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi Maria: All good reasons. For me, I think the the only way to measure to what degree the student learned what was planned is through evaluation. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Anthony: You describe the challenges most students who are destined for the work setting experience. Getting the necessary knowledge is part of the equation. Application to the work setting is another part. Experience will tie both together. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Anthony: I liked your analogies to machinery! I believe every day we teach, we broaden our capabilities as teachers and strengthen our assets and learn from our mistakes. It's true, every day, there are numerous dynamics to the class that we can "experience". Trying new or different approaches cause growth. Being bold and courageous will yield great fruit and benefit current and future students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Yvonne: 1. You have to believe in yourself and your ability to teach. 2. Positive affirmations can help, sort of mental "self-speak" that provides self encouragement and inner stregth 3. Competence leads to confidence. Really, they go hand in hand, one leapfrog ging over the other. 4. Face reality: You have skills, education, training, experience, and know your material. Now remember, most of your students don't come even close to what you have to offer. 5. Go with the flow. It's only natural to be a little hesitant to take command and control over the activity of others. So… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Donna: Anything hands on reinforces learning, as there are really many senses being stimulated by these activities. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Donna: With variety, as you suggest you're using, you are bound to create a favorable learning environment for most learners. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Rita: Excitement, enthusiasm, add to a greater enjoyment and interest in whatever the teacher is talking about. Teachers who are naturally gifted as you are make clkasses fun. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Melissa: Group activities and discussions are great because they're low tech, can be done on short notice, and relate directly with what you had planned. Students don't even have to know that a change was made. Regards, Barry