Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mitchell, Great example of the benefits a pretest can offer. Doesn't have to be lengthy or comprehensive, or even done with every class. I do it when I'm unsure where students are in their prior knowledge. Overall, using a pretest has been more helpful than not. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Melissa, Yeah, those soft skills are so important. I've read that more people lose their job because of compliance with attendance, grooming, language, or following directions, then the actual technical part of their job they were hired to do. So I feel like the more we can emphasize and incorporate soft skills into our classes, we benefit the students both for now, and perhaps a lifetime. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Kathleen, Great! Most users of journals find similar benefit and usefulness for keeping track of information on an ongoing basis. For me, having a personal reference resource is helpful, and I also get to see growth and improvement over time, which a journal makes easier to observe. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Nicole, Great! Keeping attention with variety is the best way to engage students, especially in longer classes (and for evening classes). There something called the Rule of 20's, which implies that the media, delivery method or activity in a class should change up about every 20 minutes, as that is about the average attention span. Longer periods are OK, but it will be more difficult for students to give their full attention. Sometimes, just a break by sharing a story from the workplace setting is all that is needed, because we just want to sort of reset the students mindset.… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Melissa, Yes, students are good barometers for sensing the level of preparation. We expect our students to be ready for class, and it's quite apparent when they are not prepared. So it is with their instructors, it's apparent when they are not prepared. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Melissa, Being prepared really does set the tone for students to feel their instructor knows the material, is ready and serious about the instruction, and conveys competence and confidence in it's delivery. Without that preparation, the opposite feelings are possible. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Nicole, Yes, and confidence is an important attribute to convey to students. They want and expect to feel their instructor knows the material and can convey it with confidence and competence. Preparation adds to feeling confident. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Edward, Discussion is a great way to plan back-up activities. It's current, gets students thinking and engaged, and is low tech. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Mitchell, Great perspective! Students want to transfer their academic learning to employment-related activities. Some say that any knowledge that can't be applied somehow is less valuable. Don't know if that's necessarily true but being proficient in the work setting because of skills and knowledge learned in school can be a valued and lifelong experience. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Aneisha, Yes, skills and knowledge are essential. I also would add attitude, behavior, and professionalism specific to or applicable with the work setting they are preparing for would be important as achievement goals. Barry Westling