Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Victor: Einstein was quoted as saying: " Keep everything as simple as possible, but not simpler". Simple is good when it accurately reflects what you are trying to measure. Some courses have many components that make grading a convolulted process. Even though, these courses assessments can still be based on a simple premise. Of course the goal should be on complete and accurate assessment. If that can be done in a simple manner, that's great! But care should be taken that we don't inadvertently undermine the students perception of their performance because of a weakly constructed grading assessment. This… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing An Evaluation System

Hi Nolan: You're right that determining the best way to grade lab work can be a trick. Of course there are many variables. But in general, we have two categories of lab: * lab where the outcome is observation of the result * lab where skill in performing an activity is the emphasis There are many lab subjects that attempt to quantify both aspects. A good way to determine how to set-up a grading system is to go back to what outcome do you want the student to possess. From there, there are multitudes of methods to measue that result.… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Methods to develop backup plans

Hi Stephen: Training aids and lab sheets can serve well as back up. It's probably a good idea to evaluate the effectiveness of these resources to determine if they should be included in the regular lesson plan. Sometimes what is used in an emergency turns out to be quite helpful as part of the planned curriculum. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting media for your classes

Stephen: Right! Every student has a prefered or primary way they learn best. As instructors, we also have our prefered delivery style as well. We have to be careful we're not doing what is easiest for us either. Getting to that place where you are able to connect with all of your students by relating to them as individuals will take time and energy, but will ultimately serve your students better. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting media for your classes

Nolan: It is true that as instructors we each have our preferences. But we need to be cognizant of the learning styles (and learning needs) of your students. Sometimes when students complain they "just don't get it", it's because the teacher is merely repeating the information the same way. That's not going to get the student to learn. Effective instructors will try to understand their student's individual needs, then relate the subject matter in the manner the student is able to receive. It's difficult and time consuming, yet that is our commitment we make when we teach. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting media for your classes

Victor: It's so easy to fall into routines and a pattern for providing classess a certain way that effective instructors have to be willing to really go out of their way to observe their environment in order to evaluate and choose the best resources for a given class. That effort takes time, thought, and willingness. Too frequently those ingredients are absent. Unfortunately, the students are not always able to convey meaningful feedback so the responsibility falls back to the instructor.

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Preparing to Manage Your Class

Nolan: Yes, I agree, there is much importance in understanding and developing positive environments and personal attributes that can effectively influence your students performance. Perhaps the most chellenging task is to be willing to examine onself, strengths and weknesses, acknowledge them, and then be willing to make changes where applicable. It can be a very humbling experience. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Preparing to Manage Your Class

Hi Victor: It is true that understanding ones weaknesses can positively contribute to their education effectiveness. Our goal as educators is to make efforts to reduce the effect of our weaknesses, and work towards building our strengths. Part of the instructional leadership responsibility is to attempt to utilize every resource in assisting their students achieve success. Utilizing most of the keys in the module will contribute towards that goal. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Preparing to Manage Your Class

Hi Stephen: You are very correct. The difficulty comes when instructors not interested in learning inward traits about themselves, unwilling to recognize there are other methods to achieve better results, or just simple resistance to change. What these instructors fail to realize is that their primary purpose as teachers is being minimalized and unfortunately, their students are going to suffer as the result. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing An Evaluation System

Hi John: Tools like spreadsheets can be helpful in organizing the variety of skills or learning points that occurred in a class. This could be one method that all students are measured using the same criteria which would be good in assuring fairness in your assessment. One consideration is to determine whether the entire checklist points are weighed the same or do some points have greater value (weight). Of course, that is going to vary tremendously from teacher to teacher and class topic. Regards, Barry