Barry Westling

Aneisha, I think we all tend to teach to our strengths, and knowledge of those strengths helps with self understanding. Topics, practices, media, or resources we are less comfortable with can be identified and improved to the point where what was once was a weaker area can become one of our stronger suits. Barry Westling

Sherry, Sometimes I'll ask a guest speaker to cover certain topics and/or make sure they mention "XYZ". I do that to make sure the experience will be meaningful and practical for the students. Even so, the guest usually puts their own spin on the information, and to hear it from another perspective and sometimes, different emphasis makes for a beneficial experience. Barry Westling

Chuck, Yes, there are many unique goals for educating, some with emphasis on the facilitator, some with emphasis on the learner's outcome. Perhaps the common thread is that there must be change of some kind for education to occur. The change could be in knowledge, behavior, attitude, skill, perspective, or ideas. If so, then how that change is to come about would probably define the goal for that specific learning environment. Barry Westling

Jamey, Yes, when there is accurate information shared with students regarding their performance, there is a greater opportunity for the instructor to convey suggestions, assist students, and demonstarte that we care about their success. I think students appreciate grade and course performance information be it good or bad because they will have time to make any needed changes in their study or class participation. The worst thing is to come to the end of a term and experience a descrepancy between how the student thought they were doing and the reality of their actual grades. Barry Westling

Alan, Great! Backup plans are usually not so difficult to create, but merely take some effort by the instructor to plan them and gather whatever resources might be necessary. It is always better to have more than less when it comes to class content. Also, sometimes, an unexpected need to change up the flow to keep students engaged is beneficial, and that's where a good back up plan can be used. Barry Westling

Jamey, This sounds great, especially when students are not fully engaged. And I believe there is great merit is telling stories. In general, students like stories, and when the details contain information surrounding the work setting, past circumstances, situations or unusual occurrences, that makes makes the mental adventure just that more interesting. Students recall information when it is associated with stories and topics they are familiar with. Barry Westling

Kurtis, Students respect and hold their instructors in high regard when they recognize there has been preparation. Being organized is both a duty and a responsibility we have to our students. And, as you say, it makes learning and understanding go better. Barry Westling

Jamey, Like most people, I have experienced a smell that instantly brought to my mind a memory from long past years. I reflect on that to demonstrate the power there is in the senses and recall of important information. Not every lesson will enable an instructor to utilize all the senses, but having an awareness of their value and stimulating the senses where possible will be beneficial. Barry Westling

Jamey, Great! We all know that there is a certain amount of knowledge a student has to master in most of courses And while that is important, how it's delivered is sometimes shaped by the preferences of the instructor rather than modifying the lessons to suit individual student learning styles and their receptivity to the material. Learner-centered simply places emphasis on how best to reach most students. Barry Westling

Paul, Good points. I believe when we instruct, that's an essential part of the job. To the student, the cycle of receiving instruction and application to real world settings is facilitated by sharing grade information. With enough notice students can make needed changes, understand where they do and do not need more study, and receive kind, caring encouragement from the instructor. Barry Westling