Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Donald: In addition to promoting a spontaneous learning environment, we can use these back up plans no matter what, as a means to use as many teaching styles as possible. Using back-up activities like this may be just the thing to get a point across to a student who isn't understanding course content from say, a lecture.

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Karen: That's a great point. If we come across disorganized, we may be setting a poor example, or even worse, sending the wrong type of message to the student about our level of care of their learning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Jodi: In addition to learning about the strengths and weaknesses of a student, we can also gauge what type of learner they are, which can also help make lesson planning more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Jodi: The more we can inform our students of where they stand, the better chance they have of making improvements during the course, and as soon as possible. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Amy: Good point - instructors should accent the course with guest speakers, not use them to teach the course. Having a guest speaker here and there throughout the course is an effective method. How can one expect students to learn some of the didactic course work if all they have is guest speaker after guest speaker? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Amy: Here is a fun list you can check out- http://www.amazon.com/Great-Books-about-Teaching/lm/39OQHV0AYI1N2 Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi Amy: That's a big question! Most likely, different instructors measure this in different ways. For example, we can quiz students to see if they can articulate the most recently covered items. We can have discussions to asses how well students responded to the information. What do you do to make these kinds of assessments? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Angela: Additionally, we can help prepare students (in any environment) the value of thinking critically whic may help people make more effective choices in learning, and in life.

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi ANgela: To expand on your comment, it may also give us an idea of what kind of student learner you have, making lesson planning that much more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi James: The nice thing about the method you are decscribing is that it involves many senses. This is a valuable technique because many educational enthusiasts believe the best way to teach is by doing this very thing in the teaching presentation. Regards, Barry