Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Eric, Students really like stories and any thing that has to do with what they'll be doing as workers. This is always a great way to use time in an effective manner. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Eric, Good plan. I plan by working backwards from the end of the course to the beginning. It helps see vacant or open areas a lot better. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Ricmanuel, Yes, and whenever possible, I like to strive to get my students to be critical thinkers. This helps them be successful both in life and in the workplace. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Priscilla, Right. It's like "previews of coming attractions". Better students will identify which areas they may need special attention for, and begin to prepare for that information when it's delivered. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Alethea, Great. We all have strengths and from that, students will benefit from our stronger suit. Good insrtructors will seek ways to work on weaker areas and promote lifelong learning by being examples of it to their students. Instruction will only get better as a result. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Alethea, Yes, field trips are nearly always interesting, students get motivated and inspired, and the students education is ultimately enhanced because of this great extracurricular activity. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Heather, I try to meet personally a few times over my term (19 weeks). I use electronic grading where students can see their grades and progress immediately, 24/7. Even so, my time visiting with with them gives me the opportunity to praise, recognize, support and encourage, as well as give advice and suggestions. This helps foster trust and build respect between me and my students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Heather, Filling in (as a sub) for someone is a great reason to have several good lessons that can be implemented on short notice, low tech, are relative to the course of study, and interesting. Students will be apt to be focused and stay engaged if they feel the (sub) activities are thought out and meaningful, rather than mere time fillers. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Heather, Relevance along with knowledge is important. Creating critical thinking skills is a helpful goal too, as this can help both in the students personal life and professional endeavors. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Heather, Yes, students expect their instructor will be knowledgeable and have the expertise to instruct the class, but equally important is credibility, respect and integrity. These traits will come as students see their instructor's efforts in preparing for class, making interesting and creative assignments, and enjoyable activities that enhance the student learning process. Barry Westling