Barry Westling

Jane, To add to your post, I don't think many individuals entering career college or the role of classroom instructor appreciate all the behind the scenes work that is required for classes to run smoothly and effectively, consistently all the time. Good instructors want to, and all instructors have to commit to a amount of time, planning and effort for students to receive the maximum benefit we have to offer. Barry Westling

Katherine, Good hearing! I feel we can't please everyone all the time. But by being patient and kind, having a good sense of humor, being approachable, fair, organized and prepared, and treating all with respect, at least the students are given a reasonable opportunity to be successful. Barry Westling

Katherine, Sounds like great collaboration, and a better instructional experience occurred as a result. Barry Westling

Katherine, Really, any activity we do that focuses on individual student performance is a version of being student centered. Formalizing and consistently practicing these activities will ultimately make for better student outcomes. Barry Westling

Jason, It's good to do real time correction activities such as you describe. I use "checking for understanding" quite frequently. As I progress through a lesson, I'll stop frequently and ask specific students (at random) to summarize the past few minutes. If unable, I go to another student at random. In this way, I can check fairly rapidly if students as a whole are getting it or if more review, discussion, or explanation is needed. Barry Westling

Ann marie, Right. Student evaluation can also include insight into how the instructor is meeting (or not) their students needs. Barry Westling

Ann marie, Yes, with a more accurate basline, students will benefit by having their instructor understand how to make the class more focused, effective, and interesting. Barry Westling

Lauren, This is a good example where gaining some information about the students prior knowledge aand abilities can assist the instructor make choices about the class content and delivery that will be specifically meaningful and effective for the current class. Barry Westling

Ann marie, Yes, and I consider that preparation to include skills, knowledge, behavior, and professionalism consistent with the work setting. When students become critical thinkers, we've now added a skill that will help them both in work and at home. Barry Westling

Lauren, When instructors use all instructional tools to assist them in their classes, they're apt to reach more students. Each tool attracts and uses a slightly different sense and incorporates more learning styles. A different "daily diet" helps keep things more fresh, interesting, and engaging for students. Barry Westling