Barry Westling

Jonathan, Yes, as instructors, our job is vital to the continuance and advancement of skills, knowledge, behavior, and thinking abilities that will assist students in meeting the demands of their future employers, communities, and society as a whole. I think that these attributes should be a key component to a career students education. Barry Westling

Jonathan, This has been my experience as well. Students are excited when something different is added to class, something that provides a change in the routine as well as bringing something fresh related to the career setting the students are being prepared for. Barry Westling

Patricia, Great! We all use multiple senses every day in our work setting, incorporating general senses (vision, audible, tactile, etc) along with special senses (balance, pressure, hot/cold/ pain, etc) into the daily tasks and activities that are required for us to be successful for our employers. Bringing similar sensory experiences into our daily class routines will be just as beneficial. Barry Westling

Carla, I agree. Also, I think consistency is important. When students know when to expect their instructor will be sharing grade and course information, this gives a momentum to push a little harder to reflect the best performance to date. Encouraqgement and support really does go a long way to building trust and respect. Barry Westling

George, Yeah, positive reinforcement goes along way with many of our students. Sharing class performance, however that occurs is so necessary if we expect students to know where and how to make improvements or further progress. Barry Westling

Carla, Right, and I've found it doesn't take a whole big comprehensive assessment to determine where my students are at. I just select a few choice questions that, depending on their answers will give me a good idea where any adjustments I may need to make. Barry Westling

George, Great! I think whenever we can provide our instruction, delivery, and interaction in a more positive fashion, the students is going to be more open to receiving that kind of feedback. It also helps build trust and respect. Barry Westling

George, Confidence and competence go together. Students seem to sense when an instructor is competent about their instructor's ability to instruct. Barry Westling

Tim, Some instructors use extra credit to encourage student learning and participation. Some small amount is probably OK if it does not skew grades, and is fair and available to all. Barry Westling

Tim, Great. Asking questions and getting students involved with discussion is one of the better (and preferred) methods to reengage distracted or off track students. Barry Westling