Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Jona, Anytime we can make the class more interesting, students are apt to pay attention. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Judd, What we do and say, we expect students to follow. Same should be true with hurried, chaotic instructional practices too. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Michael, Less is more oftentimes. The flipped classroom use an idea where student get the "lecture" at home, on their own, whereas class time is spent with individual time with the students by their instructor. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

B., Yeah, the sense of touch can be a memorable experience, different from what the other senses provide. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

B., Great. Sounds like a good mix of traditional, tech, and engagement instructional strategies. One key is variety, and you seem to have a lot. Good for you! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

B., The biggest benefit I've seen is the inspiration students often receive following a good field trip or interesting guest speaker. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Jeremy, When not an interference to the planned instruction, I encourage students to use whatever they feel an help them. One way I engage students who are distracted with their technology is to ask them to Google this or that, or search for some contributing bit of information that pertains to the lesson. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Jeremy, I agree! It's so important to be an authentic version of oneself, sincere and genuine in relating to students. Anything less will come across as "put on", and students will pick up on that right away. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

William, Keeping classes interesting and engaging is truly a task, however, it's one that can be accomplished. I've found one method is to use the "what's in it for me?" principle, to get the student to see there is benefit and value in focusing on classes. This also helps get them to see their instructor is there to assist and facilitate their goals. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Jeremy, And I've rarely had a good field trip not result in increased motivation, inspiration, and often, increased commitment to studies. Barry Westling