Barry Westling

Gail, Great. I think when students find their instructor to be approachable, that helps convey trust and respect, and students are more willing to be participate and be engaged in their studies as a result. Barry Westling

Antonio, I like to add a personal visit so I can determine why assignments might be late, missing, or done incorrectly. Some assignments are routine and very basic, while others require original thought and application. Tests and quizzes are there to assess learning, so sharing advice, suggestions, and conveying interest in the students success help contribute to the students feeling that I care and am there for their benefit. Emails can convey information but lack tone, inflection and emphasis, and sometimes, students respond better to personal interaction with their instructor. Barry Westling

Antonio, Keeping topics focused on the the career area can take some planning and creative thought, but every activity that comes by it is usually welcomed by the student. Students like stories, examples, situations and class activities that relate to the general career category they're in school for. The old "what's in it for me" axiom is effective when presenting career related topics to students. Barry Westling

Kimberley, That's great! I always have new instructors sit in other instructors classes. It gives insight to how different instructors approach similar topics, or demonstrates the variety of creative methods different instructors have come up with. I'm sure most observers learn to take what they feel as meaningful and adapt those methods and activities into their own version. Also, even undesirable instructor traits can be useful to witness, as these can drive home the point not to follow that path. Barry Westling

Antonio, Good example. Students expect preparedness and readdiness by their instructor, and as in your example, things just don't run as smoothly when we either fail to prepare or time to prepare is absent. That's where a good back up plan can come in handy, if appicable. Barry Westling

David, Yeah, waiting until the last minute to share failing grade information is a bummer for all, as there really is little that can be done by that time. We need to be able to intervene while there's still time for the student to make corrections. Barry Westling

David, It's a good point to consider that students don't understand seemingly easy topic the way we as instructors do. I like to check for understanding as I move through the lesson. This helps avoid going too far into the lesson without being assured students have grasped where we are in the lesson. Barry Westling

David, Two good examples of personality extremes that emphasize utilizing ones natural strengths. Being aware of our strengths helps create better delivery and effectiveness. Barry Westling

David, A prepared class adds so much more than one where the instructor is unorganized and has to scramble to get everything presented in a desirable way. Barry Westling