Barry Westling

Ann marie, Yes, these are probable outcomes when an instructor becomes a student centered instructor in their thinking. Barry Westling

Lauren, I think a good guest speaker or field trip provides one or more teaching moments that are beyond what the student could acquire in their regular classroom,. lab, or extern training site. Our purpose as educators is to provide a sound, systematic, and organized curriculum, but really, cannot provide everything a student may need to know for success in the work setting. That's where these field trips and guest can provide information about a segment that perhaps is not emphasized as much in school, but nonetheless is valuable information. Barry Westling

Christopher , I believe extra credit for learning purposes is great. I also believe extra credit to add points, raise or alter grades defeats the purpose of measuring learning, and is especially unfair to students who diligentlty work hard ton earn their grades. Barry Westling

Monica, Another primary use of the pretest is to determine what prior knowledge students have so as to facilitate better planning and maximum utilization of time. Barry Westling

Kimberley, Sounds like a great idea to insure program and institutional policies are consistent. Inconsistency in the administration of rules, standards, grading, and policies is one of the more frustrating complaints students may comment about. Anything to minimize the feelings of inconsistency should be viewed as a welcomed activity. Barry Westling

Christopher , Good thoughts. I believe passion is an internal driver and can only come from self realization of the value of something. It is truly an accomplishment when a student is impassioned in their job, especially by the efforts of a caring instructor and or institution. Barry Westling

Kimberley, Teaching is very dynamic and it's wonderful there are so many ways to get the job done. Of course there needs to be a plan, and sometimes the plan gets disrupted. As long as the objectives are sound and a suitable textbook(s) are in place, this should work fine. Barry Westling

Kimberley, It's like an upward spiral. I agree, people are more attracted to upbeat people and who convey positive affirmations. It's contagious! Barry Westling

Gail, Besides the visual, auditory, kinesthetic learning types, incorporating multiple senses into the learning process makes for a creative and more interesting learning environment and helps students retain learned material. A great example is a smell or odor that instantly brings back a memory. Barry Westling

Gail, Instructors who formally journalize often find their personal reflection to be more significant and meaningful. Recognizing growth, improvement and personal development is better realized when written notation is made. Barry Westling