Barry Westling

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Organized and prepared to teach

Ricky: Good advice - thanks for sharing! Barry

Barry Westling

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Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Patricia: Students remember passionate teachers. Using a negative example, suppose a teacher holloered at a group of students in class, angry over their failure to do an assignment. One thing is for sure, all would remember that day for a long time. Now, in the positive, teachers who regularly convey their lessons with passion, enthusiasm, excitement, optimisim, creativity, sincerity and hope, these same sentiments are going to be remembered and that teacher will be remembered long after the students have graduated and are working in their chosen profession. Enthusiasm is a welcomed emotion. And passionate teachers are able to… >>>

Barry Westling

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Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Patricia: You are right - students cannot get the unique experience and memorable work-related aspect of their profession soley in the classroom. A field trip can be magical in the way it motivates and stimulates students to want to try harder, based on the inspired time the field trip provided. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

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Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Carl: Field trips and guest speakers are such powerful activititis in and of themselves. I think it's a great idea to have some sort of measure, either before, or perhaps some questions that follow these experiences. It'll keep the students more focused when the speakers and tour guides are speaking. It'll also facilitate a better experience if the guest feel like the students are interested by asking pertinent and relative questions. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

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Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Carl: We are hired to do a job, and it's expected we give all we can to make the learning experience a meaningful one. All of our training, education, work experience, and skills are wasted if we don't adequately prepare. This take planning, thought, and effort to occur. Back to the beginning - this is what we are hired to do. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

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Informing students of status in course

Hi Noralee: Most definitely, student staus discussions have to be private and confidential (even though I think students immedialty go out and share what the teacher told them - sometimes with selective hearing). Performance can be improved when we share advice and suggestions for improvement. I personally think this information comes across better when it it's accompanied by encouragement, support, and conveyed in a kind and caring manner. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

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Reengaging off-task students

Hi Noralee: Good. I believe most students want to try their best, if given the opportunity, resources, appropriate instruction, and positive feedback. In each area, there can be a breakdown or weakness in the process. When students can see something is in it for themselves, they will pay attention. There numerous activities that focus on the career or work setting that promote and emphasize the skills and knowledge they will need to be succesful graduates and employees. Keeping things focused on the job, career, or work setting helps keep attention. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

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Setting up a grading system

Hi Earle: Objectivity should be tied to objectives. The measure of how close or to what degree the student attained meeting the objectives should be the framework for developing the various assessment components (i.e., balanced). Reviews and study sheets are good ways to make sure everything to be assessed has been covered or at least students know whare they may need for review (fair). Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

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Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Kathleen: Pretests are good, I don't think they're needed for every class every time. But when there is some uncertainty about what level the students are coming in at, or it's a new class for the instructor, sometimes having some foreknowledghe can make the class a bit more meaningful. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Amber: Invaluable experiences. These are what students will remember. Very powerful activity. Regards, Barry