Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Ethel, This sounds great. Activities that involve students and require their participation are always going to be more meaningful, as more senses are involved, students are more focused, and the results are better retention and understanding of needed information by students. And variety with frequent change ups contributes to keeping the students attention. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Ethel, I agree and believe a good field trip can be very inspiring. It can motivate students to take their classes more seriously, and provide a way for students to visualize themselves working in their chosen profession. Any activity that has that effect is definitely worthwhile. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Richard, Yes. Sometimes students learn material correctly but fail to appreciate the information fully because there is no practical application. A good field trip can help students visualize some of the tasks they might be involved with as graduates in their career education Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Mark, Great! Sincerity and displaying a genuine version of ourselves is always better than some artificial version of someone else. I agree, students appreciate honesty. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Biftu, Yes, and students will usually be more apt to ask questions or seek help or clarification when they realize their instructor is available to them. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Mark, Yes, being able to relate to all our students is definitely a skill and a worthwhile effort. When students feel we are approachable, they are more willing to ask questions, seek help, or come to us for other personal needs (school related or even personal needs or concerns). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Joseph, Not good. This behavior by the instructor inhibits students from asking last minute questions, getting clarification, or seeking information important to the student. Getting to class early, setting up, having everything ready allows the instructor "be there" for the students in any way they may need. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Nicole, Good points, and I believe students can begin to visualize themselves in their future workplace, or a similar setting, and that is usually an exciting feeling that may result in students taking their subsequent classes a bit more seriously. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Mark, What you describe can help build credibility, and perhaps take the discussion to another level in later lessons. What I find is students are willing to ask all sorts of questions (a good thing) of the guest. They may feel they can ask because they feel comfortable, uninhibited or not intimidated. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Gracie, Yes, performance information can be a motivator especially when a higher performing student is tracking their progress. For less than stellar performers, taking extra time to work with them, sharing what needs to be done to make improvements, and displaying care and kindness to encourage these students can create trust and enhance trust and credibility. Barry Westling