Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Jason, Yes, we are never sure what each day will bring, and a good back up plan can be a literal life saver when whatever was planned cannot occur for whatever reason. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Jason, Right. Multiple senses used in the instructional process leads to better retention and perhaps stimulates critical thinking a bit more than without. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Lauren, Sounds great. It's always a pleasure to feel we are doing a good job, and then to have it confirmed by the students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Jason, My thoughts in general are that the grading is fair to all, more important assignments are weighed heavier, and in the end, student learning is being accurately measured. If these conditions are met, there are literally hundreds of options as to how to grade student performance. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Lauren, This is very aggresive by the institution, but I can see few drawbacks to getting to class early, even if mandated to do so. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Jason, This is a great idea. Where these "guest speakers" may be lacking in years of experience, I find they make up for it with enthusiasm and an optimistic outlook for prosperous outcome for the current students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Carlos, An outside visitor (potential employer?) who can provide details to one or more aspects of the profession the students are training for can be an invaluable and memorable experience. Another or alternative perspective about the work setting can be instructional, and if students have the abilty to ask questions, the experience can be very satisfying. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Stephanie, Yeah, there all sorts of reasons why our preplanned activities can't go as planned and having good good back up plans are a life saver. For me, anything that is relevant, topical to the lesson, can be implemmented on short nlotice, and is relative low tech are activities that work best. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Rodney, Yes, information does provide better informed choices and clearer direction for students in their path to successfulness. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Travis, I chose not to offer EC, based on many reasons that have to do with past bad experiences. Clear expectations, and the subsequent grades that are earned are more consistent with the real world. There is no EC in the work setting. But I do appreciate your point. Barry Westling