Barry Westling

Charmelia, I think every learning resource is valuable, has it's place, and potentially can be overused. If looked to as tools, every tool has a specific purpose, and using the right tool for a specific job will be more meaningful and effective. "To a hammer, every thing is a nail". Barry Westling

Diane, Yes, and there's so much related material available these days, keeping things current (via websites) has never been easier to access and deliver in a classroom setting. Barry Westling

Charmelia, Yes, skills, knowledge, and professionalism specific to their likely job settings. Critical thinking skills also help students in both their personal lives and at work. Barry Westling

Charmelia, I like to approach my classes with the expectation I'm a subject matter expert and can serve my students by sharing my knowledge in a way that both helps learn what they need and stimulates continuous learning even after the complete the program. Of course that does not mean I am near perfect, just confident in what I do. Students appreciate instructors who make them comfortable in their learning experience, and instructor confidence is one of those traits. Barry Westling

Diane, My field trips offer students a glimpse into some segment of our program of study my classroom, lab, and clinical sites do not. So it's always a "value plus" kind of experience that adds information in a sort of colateral fashion. It's not essential but beneficial nonetheless. Barry Westling

Curtis, I believe this is true. I would add that when sharing grade information is a perfect time to encourage, support, and show we care by giving proven advice and suggestions for improvement. Barry Westling

Curtis, I guess there are levels or disengagement; broad and specific. Broadly, some students may lose the big picture about why they're in school. Specific is like days when they may seem to be distracted from the days lessons. It's more the latter that we have control over, and can intervene by asking them questions, getting them into discussion, or other ways to assure participation. Engaged students retain more of their lesson material and do better overall in their classes. Barry Westling

Curtis, I often reflect that if I can provide skills, knowledge, and professionalism attributes to my graduates< I will have their goals. If I can also provide the ability to think critically, I will have met my goals for them. Barry Westling

Curtis, Right! Student centered puts the attention to student learning and their needs as much as our planned, prepared methods for instructional delivery. Barry Westling

Clarence, I understand. Skill and knowledge often go hand in hand, along with critical thinking skills, that can resolve many things through rational thought and analysis. Barry Westling