Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Jackie: In general, SLOs allow the instructor a means of measuring if the student has sufficiently come to an understanding of the material. Have they demonstrated they can discuss, analyze, articulate, etc. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Jackie: That sounds like a fair use of it. The one concern that a lot of institutions have about extra credit is the possibility of it allowing a student the chance to pass a course when they have not really understood enough to realistically pass the course. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Michael: Most institutions are with you on this. Extra credit may allow a student who otherwise would not pass, the opportunity to do so when they have not sufficiently learned anything. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Melissa: That's a grat idea. Another approach is moving through the class while teaching and just being in closer proximity to the student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Melissa: You're describing the perfect approach for these kinds of tools. In other words, you can use them to identify what kind of student learner you have (the student's needs). Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Mitchell: One other consideration is that by knowing yourself, you can continually strive to make improvements in both your strengths and weaknesses. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Sandy: In other words, the student may develop a loss of respect for the instructor in this situation, and this loss of credibility may translate into a negative impact to that learning relationship. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Sandy: Excellent! To paraphrase something you wrote, it may help identify what kind of student learner you have, making lesson planning more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Christopher: Something else to consider is that you can use the journal to make notes about what worked as well. This way, you can continually make improvements on both strengths and weaknesses. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Christopher: These are great to offer a fresh perspective to the student, and give them a chance to ask questions to somebody other than the main instructor. Regards, Barry