Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Barbara: Instructional media be it a little or a lot should support the learning objectives and be tools that enhance the lessons and make them more enjoyable and interesting. I agree PPT can slippery. I really prefer my customized slides. Integrating these with whiteboad, discussion, and class exercises allows me to engage and invlove the students in their learning. I try to get the students do as much of the teaching (learning) as I can; this typically occurs later in the class but I feel encourages long term memory, participation, and more opportunity for critical thinking. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Barbara: I don't pretest every class; only when the students or information is brand new and I need to get a barometer of where students are at in their prior learning and as a class as a whole. The benefits I get is knowing where to place emphasis, and where time may not need be spent (or as much time). Students usually don't mind pretesting because I don't grade these assessments. A few times, I've used the same test as both a pre and post test, in order to show students how much information we've covered or how far… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Hi Barbara: As teachers in a given course, we are the experts. We have a curriculum and learning outcomes we want to accomplish. More times than not, textbooks will lay out the material in a different order. So, reordering is a common activity. Better authors will compartmentalize their subjects so that a chapter from the middle of the book will stand on it's own. This is especially helpful for courses where students roll in and out at different times. We have to make our resources work for us for maximum benefit. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Barbara: Although there probably instances where some form of bonus point (say, on a final exam), or in certain classes where the the students creativity is being assessed, I agree and do not use EC. If it's important enough to be graded, it should included in the total course points and so stated at the beginning of the course - not as EC but as required credit for required assigned. Graing is according to performance. Many teachers and institutions have polices that flatly do not permit EC; I am in that camp. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Rebecca: When I'm prepared, I have taken time to ready the resources I need, prepare my notes and teaching aids, make sure the class is ready to go at the designated time, and be available to answer questions, either befor class or during a lecture/discussion portion of the class. If there is a lab component, making sure all is working beforehand will save time and make for a smooth demonstration and transition - a better learning experience for the student. It's true that students will notice when their teacher is prepared. This instills both trust and respect in the… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Barbara: I believe frequent and personal status updates are important and help foster trust and also provide an opportunity to give on-course correction if needed while there is still time for advice or suggestions for improvement to make a difference. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Barbara: I agree that all assignments should be clearly outlined with expectations for grading stated at the beginning of a course. Giving students a resource to revieew as an example can be helpful in meeting the teachers expectations. Critical thinking assignments result in more remembered and significant learning and sometimes pose a grater challenge for grading. Rubrics can help, and encouraging students along the way is helpful in getting more original thoght into the students work. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Van: You're right, not every scenario would be practical to do a field trip. What about a guest speaker? What a fun way to break up the monotony of having the same person deliver the instructional material over and over! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi James: To echo what you've said here, these are a great way to renew the student's interest in the topics you've been discussing, and possibly gives them a chance to talk with others about the subject as well. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Chris: Exactly - and one way of achieving this is to continually make changes and improvements in our teaching styles to be as effective as we can be. Regards, Barry