Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Patricia: Humor is a great tool to use in the classroom, so long as it is balanced with professionalism, and doesn't cross the line into inappropriateness. The key word here is BALANCE. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Tom: It may send an inappropriate message to the student when we are disorganized, something along the lines of "I don't care about your learning". What a negative, long-term impact this could create! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Herb: Right, but there must also be balance. Too much personality or the lack of (either way) can be distracting to the learning process in the manner you've described. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Jay: In addition, we can also say that we have potentially come closer to meeting the main goal if our students are able to articulate more fully the concepts we've discussed in class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Sara: I like what you're talking about here which is essentially the concept of flexibility. This would be one of the more important traits of what it is to be a student centered instructor. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Linda: By informing the student about their progress, it allows them to make changes in study habits that can help promote a more successful outcome at the end of the course. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Mark: The nice thing about guest speakers and field trips is that they can renew interest in topics you've been describing in class and provide a fresh perspective to the student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Hi Linda: One thing that's nice about back up plans is that they can be used no matter what, as a way of breaking up the flow of the class/breaking up monotony. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Alice: What most educational enthusiasts have come to believe is that the most effective method of instruction is using a variety of teaching methods to more effectively address as many learning styles as possible. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Linda: And, using one can help us make improvements on Both our strengths and weaknesses to facilitate the possiblility of becoming more effective instructors. Regards, Barry