Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Dominick: One thing instructors can do to help prevent this is create pre-formed back-up plans to whip out if the flow of class isn't going the way they hoped it would. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Frederick: Right! What kind of negative message might it send to the student if the instructor came off like they didn't care about the learning process. This is often how disorganization comes across. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Frederick: Additionally, we might also suggest that the goal is to help our students make more well-informed decisions in their education and life long pursuits. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Veronica: And, ideally, we would offer this information to the student on a weekly basis so they can change study habits as needed. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Fredererick: Also, they can be useful to help identify what kind of student learner you have, whcih can make for more efficient lesson planning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Bennetta: If we use bonus questions at all, they should be minimal for the very reason you are describing. Otherwise, a student may pass an exam, quiz or even (gulp) the entire class without really demonstrating they understand the primary concepts. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Frederick: There are strong arguments about using it or not. If we do use it, most agree that it's best to describe the expectations about extra-credit as soon as possible to the entire class, so it's the same for everyone. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Teasha: TO support your statement, the possible negative thing about extra-credit is that it may allow a student to pass the classs when they haven't demonstrated an understanding of the material. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Donald: Indeed, using a journal can help instructors make minute changes in delivery to make the outcomes more successful in future classes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Beth: That's so correct - if we act in the opposite way, students will pick up on that negativity just like they'll pick up on positive energy in the way you are describing. Regards, Barry