Barry Westling

Barry Westling

About me

Activity

Eugene, There is so much available,most of it good, that the real challenge is deciding what the best method (among many) is to convey the needed information to students. And what is successful for one cohort may not be suitable for the next cohort. Again, I believe looking at resources from the point of view of the student (knowledge, prior learning, readiness) may help define the better delivery mediums. Barry Westling
Eugene, Beside the boiler plate descriptions of instructor personality, I like to reinforce the importance of being genuine and sincere. Trust and respect are more likely to occur when students feel their instructor is approachable and patient, while giving clear expectations. Authenticity is prefered over an artificial version of someone else, in my opinion. Barry Westling
Eugene, Yes, the employer is our final customer, and our student-graduate the product. Each customer wants the product for their unique and specific purpose, but the basic elements have to be there for "customer satisfaction". Knowledge, skills, and appropriate behaviors must be successfully transferred from the instructor to the student in order to have "order fulfillment". Barry Westling
Eugene, My take is to try to recall my time in school and classes where I had a difficult time understanding things. I had a few, but not many instructors who would really help me when I needed it. I remember that awful feeling of frustration, helplessness and discouragement. It really doesn't take much extra effort to go the extra mile if the student will also do their part -- it's really a win-win situation. Barry Westling
Eugene, One of many benefits to a journal that's been helpful for me is referring to a notation I've made from the past. I put notes from the day that may or may not be useful in the future, but I know that information can be accessed as the need presents. Barry Westling
Eugene, Good preparation will never be wasted time. Similar to what you've described, I write bullet point categories of topics/activities/events for the day off to the side on the white board. One advantage is this allows me to cover material in any order. But much like a meeting agenda, students know from the outset what's been covered and what yet needs to be discussed. Barry Westling
Eugene, As a former department manager of several larger health care facilities, I've always given students a look at the "backside" of operations - perhaps areas that are not so glamorous, but informative and interesting. These add more perspective about the big picture of the myriad of settings and activities that occur in the daily grind. It's always very motivational. Barry Westling
Frank, Once a week is great! Students appreciate knowing their status. I share information personally whenever possible. Barry Westling
John, Sure, we want to be fair. I always try to look at "what is best for the student". However, I'm not a fan of EC myself. Barry Westling
Frank, That's how I use it, and I think the benefit is found when revelations about prior learning are discovered. Barry Westling

End of Content

End of Content