Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Earle: Good - these are good examples. Also, we want to keep our eye on the course objectives to make sure we are using the most relevant resourcse available in order to teach the course in the best way. We may find that certain media is more convenient or prefered and end up being used more often. With some thought, we might decide there are better choices to accomplish the objective more effectively. Unless we experiemnt here and there, we'll never know if there are better ways. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi Earle: In a well written course, the student learning objectives will be there. It'll be our job to make sure they leave with the WHAT they need to know and the HOW of getting it done. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Earle: Right. There's so much out there. And students love variety, we should be mixing up the way we deliver our lessons as much as possible. And our personality is a part of that. Variety works here too. But too much of the same, humor or levity, seriousness, monontous delivery can be a big turn off. How about passion! Excitement! Enthusisam! Creativity! Encouragement and Support! Hope! All these will contribute to meaningful and memorable course lessons. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Earle: My goal is giving all I can to my students to enable them to do more than I am able in my career lifespan. They have to "carry the torch". So I use all my expoerience, (mistakes), education, training, and passion to convey my material in the most interesting and exciting manner that creates a desire for continued learning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Earle: I feel for me, I know myself to the degree I can exercise my abilities to maximise my instructional talents to my students. Self awareness really is a lifelong learning process, a journey. But being confident in what I know I can do for my students conveys competence, and from that trust and respect from my studenst. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Earle: For me, student centered means I am willing to make adjustments to acomodate the students learning style, or knowledge level, in order to have the material be meaningful. The focus is on the student, more than my "process" or "Predetermined method" that all students will get. It might be excellent material, but what good if the student doesn't get it? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Earle: Not all teacher do (or should) use journals. It's just that many find it a useful tool. And it's used in many different ways - there's no set type of information or method that need be applied. It's however the teacher feels they can benefit. Give it a try and see what you think. You might get hooked! Regrads, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Earle: Both the field trip and guest speaker are dynamic methods to inspire and motivate students. They can open the eyes of students who may only have a vague idea of the real world, and also contribute to having students want to work harder and perform better in order to be successful in the profession, because they have a clearer understanding. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Earle: You are correct that having a compeptent teacher usually leads to a confident teacher. Students appreciate the time and effort we put into preparing for classes. They deserve all we can give them. Otherwise, it's just about a paycheck. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Noralee: First, I'm glad you feel the modules in ED105 are useful for you. I am always amazed that new ideas and varieties of methods constantly appear. I'm find your comment about repetition interesting, because I personally feel this is one of the more underused (yet simple) tools we as tachers have at our fingertips. Repetition is powerful. It works in sports and with atheletes. It works in theatrical and musical performance. Some will say that rote memory is a lower level of learning. I agree to an extent. What I would maintain is that through repetition, basic, fundamental… >>>