Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Sandy: These concepts you are describing are a great way of having the student's interest always in mind. The term "flexibility" comes to mind as well. Regards, Barry.

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Jenny: This sounds like a great method to help keep you on track for the day. In general, instructors should do everything possible to be organized. Otherwise, it may result in the wrong message being sent to the students. Regards, Barry.

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Trish:Right on. When students get news about their performance early on, and frequently, they're going to appreciate it and benefit by the abilty for suggestions to make an improvement in their grade while there is still time. It also helps reiforce the teacher-student relationship. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Sari: I think competence precedes confidence, and together create a trust and support from the students that they're reciving pertinent content. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Cory: Good thoughts. One benefit I find useful is I know where to place (or remove) emphasis to maximise the student learning experience and to make the most of the time I have allocated. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi Marilyn: Yes, I agree. To the degree possible we're sort of tailoring the course to meet the needs of the students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi William: True - but keep in mind that any extreme in personality type might be distracting to the student. If we are TOO passionate, or not passionate enough, both of these styles can translate something tothe student that may not be what the instructor wants. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Hi William: This sounds like a great approach, and I (and probably others) would be interested on statistical feedback that shows how well it works in the form of outcomes. Do you see good outcomes using this approach? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Edna: Another thing a journal can be good for is - by showing you what worked and what didn't, we can make improvements to BOTH, becoming stronger instructors all around. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Edna: Like you wrote, the best way is to probably have these kinds of discussions one on one. By doing so, you facilitate a stronger learning relationship between you and that student, and can genuinely suggest you "care" about that student's outcome. Regards, Barry