Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Dennis: I think we all do better when we have information. It helps makes decisions, and provides a better pathway for planning future events. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Charles: Individual focus definitely defines a vital component of student centered learning environment. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Hi Christopher: Sounds like a good tactic. Discussion questions stimulate thinking, give voice to opinions (right or wrong), and establish a plane where students feel validated somewhat with their opinions and learning. This is a great way to foster and promote critical thinking in the classroom. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Christopher: Good points. frequent sharing of grading information provides sttaus, areas needing improvement, suggestions on achieving improved performance, but most impotant, we can also offer kind and caring words of encouragement. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Tim: How about a recent graduate? Would they be considered a guest? If not, they may be able to shed some nuggets of inspiration to the current class about their personal experience first as a student,, and now as a graduate. Current students may relate to the new grad more as one of their own, and perhaps be more open to them. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi Robin: In one philosophical sense, if we could determine a student learned the material, I believe we wouldn't even need to test. More to this post, student centered really is a simple idea that suggests that, as teachers, we approach how best to teach the student the needed material in creative ways, even if that differs somewhat from the established curriculum. It's been said that "We haven't taught if the student hasn't learned". So, we may access to a wonderful curriculum, but if it misses the point of our students learning, what good is that? I'll just say there… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Robin: For me, the simplest way to state the goal of educating is more functional: "to transfer knowledge we have to students, who can apply that to their personal lives and careers. Amplifying that a bit, we have the opportunity to convey much about the specific topics and course material, and also about the world of work, and the supporting factors that make work a success, such as the soft skills of timeliness, punctuallity and attendance, dress, behavior, appearance, language, attitutde and affect, motivation, and good communication. These kinds of things are often lacking in even some of the… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Gerry: Annimations in PPT presentations are helpful, especially if they dramatize a process or concept that can be explained by a moving visual. As you say, you can add or amplify what is occuring, or contribute additional information, which I think all PPT's should include anyway. We want to use the "tool" of PPT to augment what we have to say (and avoid having the PPT dominate the lesson, or teaching). Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi David: Students generally expect a qualified teacher who is approachable and helpful learn the material. When the observe something less, it can be disappointing, and even set the stage for lesser performance and effort by the students - why should trhey prepare if the teacher doesn't? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Shereene: You're, right, students really enjoy the field trip and or guest speaker experience. Facination about the the students future career seems to to capture their attention and may motivate them to study harder afterwards based on the activity. Another factor is many students have only vague ideas about the work setting. Also, as they visualize themselves in these settings as graduates, they can be inspired. Genaerally, classes ought to schedule more speakers and field trips, because they are a unique and memorable experience. Regards, Barry