Barry Westling

James, Assessing prior knowledge helps. Also, most of our courses have learning objectives and specific student outcomes. There are so many resources and options available today, it takes careful planning to assure we are providing the most reliable and useful material to assist preparing students for their career category. Barry Westling

Ashlee, This sounds great. Creating an effective learning environment involves students feeling like they can approach their instructor. The access and ability to freely ask questions from a friendly, patient and helpful instructor is vital. This openness also helps build trust and respect. Barry Westling

Patricia, Often, reengagement takes only a simple action, such as asking specific students specific questions, having specific students read from a segment of their textbook -- actions that subtlety suggest it's time to be focused. Another simple technique is to stop whatever is going on, step to another location in the classroom, and have students listen to a story, something about the work setting. Students like stories and will nearly always pay attention afterwards. Barry Westling

Allen, Yeah, to students, points towards a grade are like a type of currency. To manage students angst about grades, I try to explain my grading procedure at the outset of class, accompanied with a detailed description also included in my syllabus. Barry Westling

Allen, I think handouts are a good resource to use, especially for times when most of the regularly planned resources are not available (i.e., computers are down). These help students feel their time in class is not being wasted. Barry Westling

Allen, Sounds good. For me, I try to think about how best to present material to my students in a way they can understand. It varies from class to class. Feedback I receive suggests students get tired of following PPT slide after slide. Barry Westling

Patricia, Even as a newbie I think employers expect that their new employee has mastered the skills needed for the job, and less time needed for orientation. But you're correct -- one of the key goals is to prepare students with the knowledge, skills and behaviors appropriate for the profession. Barry Westling

Michael, I believe the most essential step in working on self improvement is recognition of the need, and the willingness to work to make corrections. Another key step is to be able to retain each of our uniquenesses and authenticity while on the journey to improvement. Barry Westling

Allen, One way I keep this situation under control is by informing everyone on the first day when they can expect quiz and test scores, really, anything graded, to be posted. If I get it done sooner, I'll post grades. But I feel it's better to "under promise" and "over produce", rather than the opposite extremes. Barry Westling

Kathryn, Wonderful. Students enjoy stories, and a little humor keeps the tone of the class light and makes for a more interesting class session. Too, students tend to feel better about an instructor they feel is natural and authentic. Barry Westling