Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Rae Lynne, I agree being student centered involves active, sustained, personalized engagement. Even in a lecture-oriented session, relating to each student as if it was one on one helps keep the students focused, with the outcome of understanding, thinking, and enriched usually achieved. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Chris, These are great inspirational goals that if attained, would contribute to greatness in both personal achievement and optimal effectiveness in the work setting. Creating a positive atmosphere for learning is one way to approach getting students fired up about their program of study. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Jeffrey, Yes, and I believe they want as well as deserve to know their status, progress, areas needing improvement, and suggestions to assist their performance. I think if we can also add caring, supportive comments, that is received as encouragement, and helps build trust and mutual respect. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Jeffrey, Yeah, students often have only vague ideas about materials and resources they'll be involved with. Pretesting can be an effective tool to get students familiarized with upcoming events. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Chris, Sounds like a rational plan, well thought out and apparently effective in your approach to assuring positive student outcomes! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Mickey, This sounds like a great plan. Students learn at different levels. Reviewing before moving ahead into new material is a method that is sure to improve student thinking, grasp of the material, and overall, better student outcomes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Wynell, What a great way to promote thought and also fill time with productive activity. Sometimes I stumble on an idea as a back up plan that turns out so well I end up using it all the time. This sounds like it might fit into that category. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Mickey, Very true. We can help our students by providing the needed skills and knowledge, but also life skills that may be lacking are as important for students to acquire and retain employment afterwards. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Diane, We set the tone, and we should be in control of the class. If someone is less than prepared, it gives the wrong message to students and potentially creates lowered respect and trust. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Shanika, Even if some of the experience is not totally relative, most field trips offer at least one aspect of something that is related to the course of study. Probably most beneficial is the ability to ask questions. Barry Westling