Teaching styles strong criteria for selections
by Elizabeth Ventura, Reporter

  Students often have problems selecting instructors because they are unaware of the type of teaching style instructors may have, a NW Campus dean said.
   "Talk with other students. Ask about the style of teaching, type of tests, assignments and lectures the instructor gives," Joe Rode, NW Campus dean of student development and educational services, said.
   After selecting an instructor, students may want to learn about and adopt several learning techniques or different methods to create an improved learning style.
   A student can increase the ability to remember material required by the instructor through repetition, sight, touch and participation, Annie Dobbins, South Campus counselor, said.
   "Every time you do something continuously, it increases chances you will not forget. You want to remember things the instructor taught you. Practicing a learning style can increase your ability to retain information for a longer period of time," she said.
   Selecting teachers can be easier if the student selects instructors smartly.
   Students who do not investigate which instructor to choose may find themselves frustrated, Rode said.
   One NE student takes pot luck in choosing classes.
   "I usually wait until the last minute. I take the class that has an opening and don't pay attention to the instructor's name," Priscilla Garcia, a NE student, said.
   Richard Vela, NE Campus academic advisor, agrees with Rode and said a student can find out what instructor to choose by talking to other students.
   Seeking other students for advice can help students decrease the possibilities of dropping a class or having low grades, Rode said.
   Counselors can advise students on instructors but rely on what they hear from other students, Rode said.
   Vela said, "Usually counselors get asked what instructors are the best? We don't promote an instructor over another because all of our instructors are great."
   By asking others, a student can gain knowledge of the instructor's experience and background, Vela said.
   "Before I choose a class, I ask around to get the opinion from other classmates about a certain instructor," Perla Ladinos, a NW student, said.
   Vela encourages and instructs students to get involved in different student activities and organizations.
   "Students can get to know other students with the same interests. Getting involved will improve their ability to get information about instructors," he said.