Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Jay, Without the needed preparation an instructor is risking much; wasting a lot of time, jeopardizing positive student opinion and effective learning, deteriorated morale, trust and respect, and diminished reputation (instructional and instructor). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Wendy, Getting students up and about is a sure fire method to get students focused and engaged. Knowledge along with practical application keeps students on track. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Wendy, It's good when students adhere to policy. Of course there are always those that push the envelope. Usually, my approach is to relate behavior or academic deficiency issues to the career setting, as in ...what would an employer do or act based on this behavior? Relating it to work brings a down to earth perspective (in most cases). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Daniel , Yes, sometimes it's best to corral students to give them needed information. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Daniel , Students need to feel there is something of benefit for their attention to stay focused. Stories, activities, movement.... these are some things I do to keep the flow going. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Loren, For me, I would certainly call this back-up material; how you may decide to use or not use it is one consideration. But having materials and appropriate resources available will make it happen, as needed. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Loren, Sounds like great engagement. I believe that if the instructor is static, so will be the students, and as a result, so will be the learning environment. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Daniel , Yes, critical thinking, practical application, and work preparedness will serve our students well. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Melissa, Journals sure do help memorialize key events, along with providing a way to capture observations about student behavior, progress, and engagement. Many times fresh material occurs spontaneously during a lecture or class session. Unless I make a note of it in a journal, I'll likely forget it, and it'll be lost forever. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Daniel , Very true. Students want and need direction, instruction, and clear expectations, and these don't occur without time, effort, and thought on the part of the instructor. Barry Westling