Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Shawn: One idea to help with this sort of problem might be to create one or two back-up plans that can be brought out in the scenario where you've run out of material to discuss. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Lorraine: These tools can also be useful to identify what kind of student learner you have, making lesson planning more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Lorraine: Right - and this continuous feedback allows a student the chance to make any necessary changes in study habits as soon as possible. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Shawn: That's a great idea. One way to drum this idea into our students would be to give them personal ideas about what we as instructors do to support this idea ourselves. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Shawn: These toolscan be a great way to measure what kind of student learner you have, making lesson planning more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Melissa: Excellent! And, by identifying what works and what doesn't, we can continually strive to make improvements in both to become more effective instructors. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Sarrah: That's great! Another idea might also be to have activities to use for everyone regardless of their level of understanding, merely for the use of another technique that offers a new perspective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Sarah: That sounds like a fair process. I think its importanat that if we decide to use extra-credit, it should be made available to everyone, and the expectations for these kinds of activities or assignments be laid out as close to the beginning of class as possible. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Joseph: This is a great technique to re-engage off task students and renew their interest in the topic at hand. Just being mindful of what we want our students to be able to do is also considered the ideal way of thinking about this concept. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Edward: How difficult it seems to try to compress this concept (the goal of educating) into a few short sentences! You've done a great job by highlighting part of that goal is to help others prevent making the mistakes we've made before. Regards, Barry