Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Allison, Right! I've heard it said that more employees are let go because of the "soft skill" related kind of situations, more that the technical skill the employee is hired to do. That would suggest soft skills are nearly equally as important as the professional or technical aspects of our training. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Catherine, Absolutely! Students are perceptive and even if they arn't as prepared as they should be they sure notice if their instructor is not. Good preparation also conveys confidence for the instructor and competence to to the students. We may be a master of our craft, but we are only as good as our preparation suggests. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

John, When a back-up plan is used, it's usually because something is not going as planned, even if it's just extra time at the end of class. Discussions, reading, get started on homework, review of the class day, previewing the next days activities -- these are a few ideas. I try to keep it low tech, simple to implement, and related to the course topic. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Jennifer, Yes, students need direction, and without it, they be floundering or headed in a less effective path that some clarity, suggestions or advice could clear up. And as far as grades go, that information helps bring reality into view, and serious students will use that information for their benefit. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Jennifer, Yes, passion, excitement, enthusiasm -- these are traits that are hard not to become engaged in. It takes energy and interest by the instructor, but then again, that's were paid to do. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Jennifer, Yes, students have their interest stimulated on field trips. I've always found there are always a lot of questions. Sometimes students feel more at liberty asking questions of a stranger, I don't know why. Could be there are areas they observe that gets them thinking up questions. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Thomas, Kind words of support are always a welcomed treat. And it doesn't really take much extra effort to do. Students need direction to be successful, and sharing grade information is one of the ways to achieve that. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Thomas, Besides the information obtained to make planning decisions for class, students also get a preview of sorts of what's ahead. I've had especially bright students take information from the pretest and immediately begin to study for when that part of the class comes about. Very cool! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Bill, As far as repetition goes, I think that is extremely important for learners. It often takes multiple times hearing or seeing the same information over and over again before a student finally grasps the material. And if students know the material, it doesn't hurt to have it repeated to reinforce they know it. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Thomas, Yeah, our role is varied and we have to wear a lot of hats. But maintaining an even, natural, "normal" persona consistently, students begin to feel more comfortable around their instructor because they know more what to expect. A students comfort level can can make a difference in student performance in some cases. Barry Westling