Barry Westling

Hi Jim, Also, if an intructor is disorganized, it may send the wrong kind of message - something along the lines of "I don't care enough about your learning to be organized". Regards, Barry

Hi Dean: THat's it exactly - the students get a chance to interact in their chosen field (sometimes), or at least meay hear about the topics you've been discussing from someone else which will offer them a fresh perspective. Regards, Barry

Hi Crystal: These are great points. I think many would agree that a great overall goal would be to help our students become more savvy at making critical thinking decisions. To echo your sentiments, I might also add that a great goal would be to help students learn the most efficient way of learning things altogether, and by giving them that power, you've given them the tools to efficiently learn forever. Regards, Barry

Hi Dean: No one would argue with you there that interesting things to look at can often keep the energy in the learning environment up. But you're talking about more than just that, right? I'm sure you mean to combine the interesting visual content with whatever you're talking about at the same time. Do I have that right? Regards, Barry

Hi Dean: That's a fun idea to play it safe. To add to that idea, one could also plan on stopping class (if appropriate) and use the back-up plans no matter what, just as a way to keep things interesting. Regards, Barry

Hi Crystal: Although you make a strong point when suggesting students may not feel as passionate about the topic as we do (boy is that ever the truth sometimes), I think passion is still a key element when talking about the subject matter. I also really like your idea of using several styles of teaching which will be certain to address as many learning styles as possible. Regards, Barry

Hi Joshua: To echo your sentiments, the key word is BALANCE when selecting ANY course content. For example, if we're too much lecture heavy, that can become dull. If we discuss too much, that can become dull too. Howabout using an ideal approach that tries to address every type of learning style out there! Regards, Barry

Hi Joshua: You're correct, it can be difficult to apply a rubric grading system to class participation. That said, in a general sense, any rubric system can be practically applied, the most important consideration to make when using them is that they are consistent and provided to the students as soon as possible. Regards, Barry

Hi Elizabeth: Right! No better way to engage student and inspire them than with a field trip. Usually these create leflong memories and and can contribute to better student performance too. Regards, Barry

Hi Carolyn: What kind of message does it send when the instructor is disorganized? If it sends the wrong one, as in "I don't care about your learning", this may result in a negative long-term impact to the relationship with that student. Regards, Barry