Barry Westling

Jessica, I jus can't imagine an instructor who would appear for class without full preparation. I know we all get busy, but on the other hand, teaching students is our job and we owe our students and employer the full measure of our focus. Barry Westling

Arnitra, Right, and it really doesn't take too much extra effort to give time and attention to students, especially those who are in need of special emphasis. Barry Westling

Jean, I understand. My students need 1000 hours of clinical in addition to the 1700 hours of academics. Don't want to beat a dead horse, but I can tell you that in addition to the competencies and proficiency testing we do in clinical, and the practical experience working patients, I'll still take students to visit Central Supply, admitting office, biomedical. Some students have commented they really appreciated getting a more comprehensive view of "behind the scenes" goings on. I know these students would normally not get this exposure, but I try to make their experiences as meaningful as possible. Barry Westling

Debra, Pretests can offer one good way to provide a foundation for planning a course or a segment of it. In the end, all the objectives need to be covered, but in a given class, how they are covered, where the emphasis will be, and what may need more attention can be identified and used for the benefit of the instructor. Barry Westling

Debra, Yeah, students want an authentic, original version of their instructor, and look with suspicion when their instructor does not appear to be genuine. It's true, we are the best at being ourselves, it's really our methods of delivery that vary. Barry Westling

Jean, Many of these traits area not part of our curriculum per se, but in select fields of study, students must somehow acquire these needed behaviors and affect if they're to be successful. Methods to incorporate these important qualities can include role modeling, demonstration, and mentoring with those peers and instructors who regularly practice their craft with high standards. Barry Westling

Tracy, Feedback is so important. It provides direction, gets student on track, and also provides an opportunity for the instructor to give specific advice and supportive comments that suggest the instructor cares about their success. Barry Westling

Lisa, Personally I prefer not to go into extra credit, but I understand some instructors do. Barry Westling

Tracy, These sound like good activities, especially considering your audience and the time of day for the class. Barry Westling

Lisa, Great. Games are fun and can be educational -- either as a review, preparing for an exam, or competition between different student groups. Barry Westling