Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Robert: I think we are hired because of our education, training, work experience, skills, and knowledge related to the course being taught. But having all the best background is diminished if the instructor is unable to convey or present in in a manner that students can receive and benefit from. Organization and preparation require thought, time and effort and planning - because it won't happen by itself. Students (and others) will notice when adequate preparation has occured. And for the students, they benenift from the teachers expertise. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Erika: This is a great idea. Most teachers are willling to share what they do, even have other teachers audit their classes to witness firsthand how they handle similar class assignments. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Amber: Well, this is just one idea of perhaps hunfreds, each has to be adapted to the situation. But if students are "disengaged, they're not learning much anyway, so for me, change ups like getting the class attention with a story is simple, and gets folks back on track much of the time. Other times, more aggressive activities are needed. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Amber: Great. Students like and appreciate the more natural, genuine, and sincere teachers because they feel they can ask questions and relate easily. Students can detect an "artificial performance". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Amber: Your school has probably adopted this standard based on past situations or poor student outcomes. In my opinion there are few instances where it's truly helpful (expect to raise a grade) to the learning process. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Elizabeth: These expereinces will prove to be invaluable to your fortunate students. Organizing and preparation are preceded by planning, and a little of that goes a long way. Putting it into action and the disciplne that goes along with that is another key ingredient. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Angelina: This sound like a good way to start a class. Instructional back up plans are activities that can be initiated on relatively short notice, are applicable to the course or topic, and do not require much preparation or technology to use in the class. These are activitis that are for whatever you hadve planned for the day cannot occur for whatever reason. Meaningful back-up or alternative lessons assure the student's time won't be wasted, and at least they're be some productive time used during class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Lisa: I think wehn we understand ourselves we are better able to effectively teach our classes competently and confidently. These attributes convey a strong teacher who has command of the class and the material. Students really want to be led. Some seem to exhibit an independence - that's okay, because they still need direction and we can guide and facilitate students in the right direction. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Carl: It may not be fair - tht might be debatable. But it's srely aligned with quality instruction or demonstrating helping students succeed. We all do better, at least we try, when we know where were at. For students, sharing grades, points earned, along with suggestions, advice, and recommendations convey to students the teacher cares. We can also offer encouragement, support, and show genuine care and kindness, which will build trust and respect. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Melissa: It seems to me that certain procrams, course, and professions can utilize sense more than others (Chef school, auto mechanics, medical). I believe we can train all of our senses to enhance learning. The key is to learn to associate a particular sense with enjoyment, then the student is getting more benefit from their studying and classwork than if they hadn't learned to stimulate that sense. Take reading. Visual, right? Well (with training), a student can stimulate other senses such as touch (feeling the page texture, moving their fingers along sentences, thumbing through chapters or glossary, or index).… >>>