Barry Westling

Bronzel, This sounds awesome. When students enjoy their classes, they're more apt to pay attention, remain engaged, and participate in the lesson - ultimatley getting the most out of each lesson. Perhaps some students may begin to emulate good instructional styles they see demonstrated by you. Barry Westling

Billy, Great. The "why" of something is as meaningful as the "how" in many cases. In truth, both are important for success in the workplace. Understanding the why often includes critical thinking, and having that attribute will sustain an individual for a lifetime. Barry Westling

Billy, Lectures and discussions are always interactive for me. I often write key words on the white board to trigger my memory to jot something about that later on in a more formal journal. So, even reflecting right after class and journalizing is not thorough enough to keep all my thoughts orgainzed. Actually, I'm fortunate I have a white board right at my immdeiate disposal. Barry Westling

Steven, Planning for each course, even if it's one that is taught over and over again takes some tweaking to cater to those individual students. Pretesting is one good way to learn about students level of prior learning. Barry Westling

Steven, Being approachable, patient and courteous are general traits that are especially important for instructors. We want our students to feel like we're working with them to be successful. Barry Westling

Leslie, An old adage states "knowing where to find information is as helpful as possessing the information". To some degree, I think this idea is helpful in an information-oriented society such as we all must survive in these days. That said, knowing how to sort, sift, and evaluate information, and do it efficiently and effectively will determine (in part), if we have been successful in educating our students. Barry Westling

Kelly, Payment for informal presentations are not customary. That's not to say a nice token of appreciation along with a generous and sincere letter of thanks cannot be given. Our Career Services, Admissions, and High School recruitment departments has a lot of college-labeled items (notebooks, coffee mugs, do-dads, this-and-that's) that make for great token than-you. Nowadays, a $10.00 gift card seems to be a particularly popular token. So, token, yes, payment, no. By the way, I agree that good field trips and guest speakers are significant and memorable experiences for our students. Barry Westling

Niel, Passion is a tough act to follow, as few outward expressions can reasonably compete with this effective sentiment. I think passionate instructors create a more positive, upward learning environment. Barry Westling

Katherine, I have a personal sentiment that goes, "I know I have taught when my student know they have learned". Although simple and obvious, it's deeper for me because I try not to go too far without checking for understanding as I progress through a lesson. Obtaining the skills, knowledge, behavior, professionalism, and becoming critical thinkers are my measure of learning. Barry Westling

Christine, Great. I think most students are nearly always able to do the required work with at least minimal understanding. It's usually some "back side of their life" event that may be interfering with thier progress (work, money, childcare, transportation, spousal, illness, etc.). Sharing helpful stategies to assist students with life events shows we care and also may offer a more rational (non-emotional) approach to resolving or approaching personal situations. Barry Westling