Barry Westling

Gabriel, Exactly. This also gives us a chance to offer our suggestions, advice, and assistance. Barry Westling

Nelson , Yes, the need for information regarding performance is sort of like a map - how will students know how close to their destination they are without some sort of feedback that shows them where they are in their journey? And, I agree we convey concern and interest when we share information, sprinkled with support and encouragement. Barry Westling

Nelson , Good example. And I agree that our back-up plans should be as our regularly planned activities. For the unplanned interruptions for whatever reason, I find creating simpler activities that can be implemmented on short notice, with little preparation, that are low tech, and are related to the course of study work best, and to the student, they may not even know that some change from the plan has occurred. Barry Westling

Ken, Interesting comparison that demonstrates how education is always changing. Technology has created a whole new way of engaging students, and whenever we can achieve that, class is robably going to be better. Another copmparison. Socrates told stories. I tell stories, and find nearly always students will listen and engage with a story about the work setting. I think it's something innate about the human nature.Some things change and some older (non-technical) methods still work fine. Barry Westling

Nelson , Video's are a great resource. The only downside is sometimes a 20, 30, or 40 minute video segment is just too long to keep student attention. What has helped me is using You-Tube or similar web sites that tend to have shorter segments that add just enough material to get the point across and provide a beneficial learning moment. Barry Westling

Rassiel, Yes, certainly, time at the beginning of a class discussing instructor expectations, class standards, grading, assignments, etc. is important for students to understand in order to give them the greatest oipportunity for success. With the instructors prepardeness, it helps create the students prepardeness, if they so choose. Barry Westling

Nelson , I used to begin my lab sessions with " oh, by the way, get busy!" It was attempt to insert a bit of humor but also the suggestion that lab was not just stand around time but the preceding preparation time was now to be used for skills development. I can't expect students to "get busy" if I haven't been given the necessary preparation to be productive. Barry Westling

Robert, Many instructors find, as you, their reference to past notes provides valuable clues to fuure events. A great use for remembering important information to the author. Barry Westling

Angela, Yes, getting and keeping a job is pretty solid evidence a students instructor has been successful. Barry Westling

Angela, Your past experience with your own instructors is one good way to create an environment for learning that instills interest, enjoyment, and professional behavior needed for success in the workplace. It's always great when their is mutual trust and respect among instructors and their students. That often occurs when students feel their instructor cares about thei successfulness. Barry Westling