Barry Westling

Kara, I like your summary about improving the instructional methods. Really, all experfiences that help us be better instructors are worthwhile and ought to be reinforced or regularly practiced. Barry Westling

Stephanie, Great. I think students are naturally curious about the potentially facinating world of work they're training for. Whether its a guest speaker or field tyrip, students will ofcten get a chance to see for themselves or ask very pointed questions abouit thye professional or work setting. This can be an invaluable experience that will be remembered a lifetime, especially if the guest is dynamic and passionate about their topic, or the external field trip provides access to areas not normally available at school Barry Westling

Stephanie, Yes, when we're focused on student needs the students will get a better instructional experience. It's the difference between the instructors fixed plan and modification to meet students needs. Barry Westling

Marianne, Yes, we provide basic information that helps students get their initial jobs and hopefully, they will take this information further, grow, teach others, and become experts themselves, in their own ways. Barry Westling

Marianne, Yes, every class is unique. And every class has material that needs to be covered or mastered. When we know in advance where more emphasis may be needed, that helps us plan our lessons better. Barry Westling

Marianne, Right! Skills, knowledge, behavior, attitude and professionalism. With these skills, most students will be ready for both work and even help in their personal lives. Barry Westling

Marianne, It's true, we ask our students to do a lot and usually in a relatively short time. So time is of the essence and responsible students will expect their instructors to be prepared, ready, and willing to give them their daily lessons in a full measure. Barry Westling

Marianne, I learn so much much from my journal notes. My observations, comments, and perceptions about how classes have gone, needs, and my suggestions to myself are most helpful. Barry Westling

Mary, I agree developing a variety of measurements that contribute to a grade are important. This also allows for students who are say, better writers to excel in one category, where written essay questions may be just so so. The important thing I try remember is that we are trying measure learning, so creating a system that encompasses many areas of assessment just makes sense to me. And, yes, it's important that the system is fair to all. Coming up with such a system requires thought, time, and creative effort but will result in better measurement systems. Barry Westling

Mary, This sounds great. Sometimes just one or two students are not flowing with the rest of the class. That's one situation. When the whole class seems less than fully engaged, that's when some activity (such as you've suggested) can be implemented to attempt to reengage the class, stimulate their interest, and get them back on track. I have found that by planning these kind of activities to start with helps keep students involved and participating. Barry Westling