Barry Westling

Angela, Post-it notes help me alot in refrencing words, thoughts or ideas, and I insert them right in the textbook, on the handout, or in the curriculum binder I'm teaching from. Sometimes some of this gets moved over to my journal, but an idea discorvered "in the moment" may be lost unless I scribble a few key words on a post-it note as I move through the lesson. Barry Westling

Dorothy, These are all good traits. Given all the resources available to instructors these days, still the best one is the instructor. Students need to look to their instructor to facilitate and coordinate all of their class requirements with students giving their trust and support to their instructor. I like the sentiment you gave that says "follow-up with the answers that are important to the students". Prioritizing student needs will do much to create a positive learning experience. Barry Westling

Theresa, Right. Also, evaluation can also give a picture of the instructors effectiveness too. Barry Westling

Philip, Great, and to be able to create that hunger for knowledge and a desire for lifelong learning would a wonderful trait for all of us to possess. Barry Westling

Philip, There's a quotation I use that goes, "better to be thought a fool than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt". Humility, honesty and sincerity do help empower instructors convey their lesson material. Barry Westling

Jon (Jack), These are good perspectives. Also, I think we need to measure learning as a co-existing requirement for instructing. They really go together. Barry Westling

Jon (Jack), For me, I use pretests occasionaly, but whenever I do, I gain insight into the students prior learning, and that helps me better plan for more effective classes. Barry Westling

Jon (Jack), More senses enhance learning, for sure. We tend to depend on auditory and visual so much, but it is really not too difficult to be creative with our assignments and delivery if we take a bit more time and planning to integrate alternative actions that require multiple sensory learning. Our students will benefit. Barry Westling

Linda, I have kept journalized notes for years. I personally benefit from "notes to myself" and can say it has helped me become a better instructor. Barry Westling

Theresa, I really believe students desire direction and perspective from their instructors, even if they don't really like the work assignments they receive. Many programs and courses involve much rigor to get successfully through the myriad of tasks, assignments, and processes in order to achieve their personal and school goals. Our aim is to assist them in their endeavors. Barry Westling