Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Patricia: One general comment about instructor personality - while passion for a topic is great and can impart enthusiasm to the students, we should also be aware of balancing that out with other components, like professionalism and organization. Too much emotion or passion can serve to distract the students from the main point. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Constance: That's it exactly - we try to help students make more informed decisions in school, and ultimately try to impart the ability to do that in their lives as well. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Constance: To put your words another way, we can use these tools as a way of assessing what kind of learner your student is. Then, we can make the most effective lesson plans as possible. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi COnstance: Its is absolutely important to give the "way to go" talk just as much as showing a student areas needing improvement. In general, regular assessment of their grades can help students make changes in study habits as soon as possible to facilitate a more successful outcome at the end of the class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Tom: That's a great method to re-introduce stuffs that may have been forgotten. One thing we can also do during this kind of activity (or any kind) is to finish every new information with a statement ike "XYZ is the primary point here, does everyone understand this primary point"? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Rebecca: True, asking direct questions is ultimately the most effective way to engage students. What is good to remember about this technique is to phrase the questions in a non-threatening way, so the student isn't "frightened" that you suddenly called on them. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Rebecca: Most institutions are in agreement that extra credit does not facilitate learning, and can have a negative impact on the attitude of other students who don't "need" the extra credit. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Mary: To paraphrase something you wrote, we try to help students make more informed decisions in school. In addition, we may also try to help them make strong decisions in life as well. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Rebecca: This is a great way to think about the goal of education. Another thing we can think about is that we try to help our students become better decision makers in school, and in their lives as well. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Cheryl: To echo something you wrote, a teaching journal is also great to show an instructor what worked and what did not. The thing to remember is that we all can make improvements on BOTh of these concepts. Regards, Barry