Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Nancy: Applying knowledge for improved skills is one outcome. Student learning outcomes relate to the whole program of study, SLO's are the "WHAT" that a student will or should learn from a course. By comparison, course objectives are the "HOW" the outcomes will be achieved. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Robert: Perfect! That an advantage of good organizational preparation, it maximizes our time for the better. And students notice. And appreciate the effort. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Robert: I think you've captured the essence of the benefits of the teaching journal, at least as you've chosen to utilize it. Different approachesare just as effective, some more reflective than chronological, or observational, or positive affirmations received from a teaching experience. My notes tend to be more of a recordkeeping fashion, somewhat similar to your example, but I have a lot of duplication. I value my journal as one of my best possessions. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Robert: Good use and application of both the resource and the reference to material in these lessons. I think back up plans, whereever they come from, should be esaily assessible, able to be initiated on short notice, and relae to the general topic at hand. Group discussions or student guided instruction, or Q&A are pariculary good examples. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Yvonne: That's great. I really like the field trip as it can "open the eyes" of some students who may have only a vague idea about the profession they're entering. Students can become quite motivated from a simple visit to a local setting realted to the profession. As a result, some students may try harder to work to achieve more understanding based on their realization that they'll soon be working in th real world. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Yvonne: I agree that stories and past situtaions from the work setting are great ways to introduce a topic illustrate a point, or reengage students who may have lost interest. Stories work because most students can relate to details contained or involved. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi Yvonne: Good reasons all. In some programs there may be an external standard that has to be met (licensure, credentialing, permits. etc), so that would be another reason to evaluate. Many programs incorporate a lot of skill and procedural processes, and this would be another reason to evaluate. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Alex: Your sensitivity to avoid offending a guest is notable. I think are serveral ways to approach this situation. First I would acknowledge their great knowledge and experience and express your appreciation that they are willing to speak to your class. KEY: I would then give them a short list of the topics you are currently covering (or want to covered), and politely ask if they would try to integrate these into their presentation. I would also add that they're welcome to speak about anything else they feel is relative and the students might benefit from. You might indicate… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Carlos: You've described some effective techniques. More broadly, however we deliver and present, we need to be able to effectively transfer our knowledge and skills, based on our experience, education, training, and abilities to the next generation, not just to carry it forward, but to take it beyond where we have gone. True educators will pursue this ideal. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Carlos: Pretests are great for the reason you cited. I think in general, there is not enough repitition in our classes. Repetition works successfully in other professions - atheletics, musical performance, theatrical - and it can work in education too. Regards, Barry