Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Brenda, This sounds very interesting and creative. Day in-day out classroom routines can always benefit by new and different variety of learning activities that help keep instruction consistently enjoyable. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Marco, We sure want to do all we can to avoid having a student drop out! I think adult learners want to know their status and of course, that can only help them do better by knowing any areas that need improvement in, or hopefully do even better. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Marco, I don't always pretest, but when I do, it is usually for new students and when I have little knowledge about their prior knowldge. So really, this is a tool for the instructor, probably moreso than for students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Marco, Yes, this is good. For me, I feel if I can convey the skills and knowledge my students need, and also give them a perspective about the needed professionalism and soft skillls required for most work settings, I will have achieved my part in acdvancing my students career and possibly contributed to a better life and future for them. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Marco, I'll tell you, having a good lesson prepared with all needed resources readied makes such a difference in terms of having the classes run smoothly, students more attentive, and the instructor comfortable with the presentation and delivery of course material. I don't think many could just breeze in and teach a class without that needed preparation. Well organized instructorss demonstrate their competence by knowing beforehand what topics they will discuss and what supporting resorces they will need. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Jason, Policies and practices vary, and each institution and instructor has to decvide what workss best for them. Personally, I feel up to a half a letter grade of looser, possibly not really extremly beneficial learning is more than I am will will to concede. For me, it's all about learning. And although I encourage extra assignments beyond what is called for, I rarely award more than a few points, certainly not enough to affect a grade. Worst case: the "C" student who is walking around with an "I got an "A" in that class" attitude. What about the students… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Jason, Sounds like a well thought out plan. Many instructors are fortunate when the teach a class overe and over during the year as they begin to find extra material but there always insn't enough time. So these ought to be the be the kinds of material that can be reserved for back-up use, regardless of the reason. I have also found material I had planned as backup has become mainstream because of it's effectiveness. So there is some "auditioning" benefit to having good back up material. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Jason, You're right and I agree, there is so much potential media available these days that we have to be careful instructors are not just choosing media because it's available but because it is the best method to convey a particular point, topic, or lesson. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Jason, All your reasons and rationale are good and serve to elaborate on the extrodianry benifits of the field trip experience. I feel strongly instructors should try to incorporate as many as possible, and frequently. Some o9f the experiences can be literally life changing and lifetime memorable. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Michael, Well, for sure they need and deserve to know their status if we expect them to make corrections, improve, or make outstanding progress. Barry Westling