Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Alex: Yes, students see us as leaders and when we're prepared, they see that time and effort on their behalf has goine into planning the lesson. Students will appreciate that. Preparation also lends itself to better use of time, better interaction with students, and more quality of content. Hurried, busy teachers who wing it will achieve the same results. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi David: Student centered puts the focus on the students learning needs rather than some process or cookie cutter curriculum which may look great on paper. But if students don't learn by it, what good? So, focus on student needs and learning styles for better student outcomes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi David: To many, achieving goals help define who they are and provide satisfaction. Giving all we can to our students in order to prepare them for future achievements far more than we can attain in the profession is one such definition. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Chris: Good. Relating to the work setting sets the student's expectations for the reality of work once they graduate. Frequent performance review is terrific. Areas that need improvement can be conveyed, and it gives the teacher an opportunity to encourage and support with kind words of advice and suggestions for improvement. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi David: One thing I tell students when they tell me they don't know or understand anything I'm talking about is "no, wait a minute, you a lot about this subject. Let's just try to find the one or two areas that will open up your eyes to the message". This will often reassure them that they do know course material and they arte capable of learning. We should be able to define WHAT they are to learn, and share HOW that will be accomplished. That's what student learning outcomes provide, the WHAT portion. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Seth: I believe transfering, imparting, conveying, all these adjectives define our purpose in assisting students gain the foundation to begin their careers from teachers who've learned from trial and error, experience, education and training, and a willingness to want to share that information. These teachers wil inspire and motivate. The students will feel they care and will be encouraged. That's one (of a thousand) pictures of the goal we've taken on! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi David: Imagine a hectic, harried, disorganized classroom, papers all over the place, and class is about to begin. Class starts 10 minutes late. And the teacher "snaps" at a students when they ask a question by saying, "can't you see I'm trying to get ready for class?". Compare that to the teacher greeting students as they enter, agenda for the day listed on the board, all course materials and resources needed are readily avilable, and the class follows an organized, structured format. The class begins in a clam and relaxed manner with. "OK, are there any questions before we… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Seth: Good thoughts. Students appreciate the time and effort a teacher puts into their class. Prepared teachers are able to provide a smooth, seamless, calm, and relaxed atmosphere, which is definitely appropriate for learning. When organized, Essential information can be presented in a logical sequence, and asyou say, still provide for some variation as the teacher will know how much time is available and what still needs to be covered. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Chris: It's best if we can can give what students need, rather than what is scheduled for (as in our curriculum). Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Chris: It true, the knowledge gained from a course has to include life skills, soft skills (grooming, appearnace, courtesy, manners) along with the technical information. Regards, Barry