Barry Westling

Richard, Great sentiments. Yes, in many ways, and in different ways, our mission is to improve lives through the brief time we have the students under our supervision. Sometimes I think there is so much chaos in our students private lives that schhol is actually a respite from the life challenges and issues that seemingly swallow their time and attention away from school work. Barry Westling

Tim, If all instructors could keep that "WIIFM" perspective all the time for every class, it is very likely students would leave each day feeling they've taken another step closer to finishing the class successfully, and likely have made progress towards desired employment, which translates to better things for the student and their family. Barry Westling

Richard, Right! At a minimum the instructor has to have materials and course resources readied and class planned before students begin to arrive. This allows time before class for answering last minute questions, discussing assignments, or just chatting. Students will be hesitant to interrupt the frazzled, hurried instructor before class too. Barry Westling

Charlene, I agree. To plan an activity that motivates students is always an inspiring moment. In my experience, rarely do students fail to benifit some way from the field trip experience. It gets inside them, and that something inside can turn into an unbeatable force and drive for many. Barry Westling

Thomas, Right. Without some form of regular feedback, students may have no realistic idea where they stand in class. I believe this the perfect opportunity to share progress, give advice and assistance, and support and encouragement. Barry Westling

Bette, I agree, and I have found the Q&A portion to be lively, interesting, and informative. It's almost like students are uninhibited about asking questions when there is a guest. And that's a good thing. It's just curious that in routine classes they're not so inquisitive. Barry Westling

Bette, Good guest speakers do have the capability of bringing fresh, interesting, and current information to the students. One big key is to be sure the guest speaker knows what level the students are at. A few times I have prompted the guest "to be sure they touch on xyz". Barry Westling

Karen, You're right, back-up plans can mean and manefest different ways. One variation is more aligned with what you describe, using a different method or activity to make a point or teach a principle. Back up plans can also mean having a set of preplanned activities that can be implemented on short notice in the event whatever was planned cannot occur for whatever reason. Really, in any situation, we should be prepared to offer an alternative way (or ways) to deliver our message. Barry Westling

Tracy, I think evaluation of performance is nearly as equally important as presenting the content. It is essetial that students get frequent and regular feedback if they are to make methodic changes or adjustments in their planning, study, and focus for prepartion class. Barry Westling

Bette, Some programs and institutions have financial, logistical, or liabilty limitations to conducting field trips. In most cases, a good guest speaker can provide much information that stimulates thinking, provides details about a segment of the work setting, and can field students questions, and the Q&A portion can be most beneficial. Barry Westling