Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Erica: Right! Many uses. A journal can be customized to assist the teacher in ways that benefit him or her. Reflection and future reference are very cool outcomes from teachers who've chosen to journalize. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Crystal: If practical, another thing the instructor can do is move around the learning environment, bringing a closer proximity to the student and instructor. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting evaluation methods

Hy Crystal: Whatever method is used, it is important for the students to know what is expected about the tests, including when they will be given. While an occasional pop quiz can be effective to reinforce instruction, there is also value in empowering students with the knowledge of what to expect on the exams. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Bradley: These are great points about the goal of educating. I might add that we strive to help our students make the most effective decisions about their education as they can, and also in their lives. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Bradley: Also, you can guage what kind of student learner you have, which can assist with making more effective lesson plans. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi Bradley: And, to allow the students a chance to make changes in study habits as soon as possible to facilitate more successful outcomes at the end of the course. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Robert: In addition to loss of credibility, disorganization may lead to sending the wrong message to the student, something along the lines of "I don't care enough about your learning to be organized for you" Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Herb: It's a great idea to have back-up plans. Some instructors use these kind of tools no matter what, just as a way to break up the flow and energy in the class environment. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Robert: Indeed, not every learning environment is practical to utilize every teaching method. In general, the more methods we can use, the grater the chance we will address every type of learning style. For online programs, one way we can try to do this is to have discussions about the content, which asks the students to articulate what you've been discussing. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Deborah: Also, if the instructor is disorganized, it may send the wrong kind of message, something like "I don't care enough about your learning to be organized". Regards, Barry