Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Tifany, Pretesting is a tool, and like all tools it has a purpose. For students, it gives them a preview of the upcoming class. For the instructor, its an assist to planning to better meet our students needs. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Jessica, Yeah, the old "too little too late" is not a good position to be in. Current and frequent are the way I try to keep my students informed. I like to personalize with them whenever possible, and this provides a great opportunity. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Tifany, I agree. Students can sense when their instructor is engaging with them, relating, being approachable, wanting to see their success. There are all kinds of students, some less motivated than others. But our job will be be more satisfying if we focus on how we can assist our students in achieving their career goals. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Jessica, I try to add variety with media and resources as often as possible, mixing up the instructional period with varied activities. Keeping students engaged is improved when there is fresh delivery and different activities to stimulate learning. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Kit, I believe critical thinking is a wonderful skill that if possible, we should add to our instructional strategies. Knowledge and skills are the bare minimum. Also professionalism, and soft skills required in the workplace are important end goals to shoot for too. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Kit, Right. And that experience can be extremely meaningful. I think sometimes students have only vague ideas about the profession they're training for. A good field trip can open their eyes and minds to greater aspects the profession offers. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Carol, Right, I think confirming a students status allows us an opportunity to share what could be changed or improved upon. Of course, by being kind and patient, and offering our suggestions and encouragement can help reinforce trust and respect by the student to their instructor. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Jamie, I follow a similar process. And I solict any and all students to come for tutoring or remediation. In my classes, anyone who falls below a 75% is required to attend remediation (until their grade rises above 75%). 70% is passing, but I strive to have students achieve at least 80%. Unfortunately usually only the "A" students voluntarily come to tutoring. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Carol, Yes, and even better students who feel they know some of the material being pretested, it's a good review. For the less prepared, this gives a good platform for previewing whats to come. Diligent students can be encouraged to look ahead and begin to work on areas they feel they may weak. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Jamie, Sounds great! When students detect an instructor is genuine and realistic about study and instruction, they'll respond better because they sense their instructor is only tryng to help them. When we are approachable, patient, and fair, students will be attracted to that environment, and be more willing to follow their instructors lead. Barry Westling