Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Siane: Right - this goes back to making improvements in both strengths and weaknesses. We don't have to use these tools for only ideas that didn't work, but for those that did as well. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi Siane: Right - and by doing so, we can offer the student a chance to make changes in study habits before it's too late, and they fail. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Ashia: That's exactly the point! By making improvements on both strengths AND weaknesses, we ultimately become more effective instructors. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Dennis: Exactly! It sends such a bad message to the students when this occurs. It's almost as if the instructor is unintentionally saying "I don't care enough about your learning to prepare". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Dennis: You are describing a great thing here - the use of multiple approaches when teaching new information. The nice thing about that style is it addresses multiple learning styles. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Dennis: Another nice thing these tools are good for is that it can show you what kind of student learner you have, making lesson plans more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Dennis: That's a good idea. On the other hand, the reason most institutions frown upon the use of it is because, depending on how it is set up, it can allow a student to pass a course who didn't get the material in the first place. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Dennis: That's true - in fact, ideally, most believe that starting the class a "little" stronger in personality may make for an easier time maintaining control later. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Sharon: The nice thing about coming across organized is that it suggests to the student you care enough about their learning outcomes, that you have prepared to deliver the information is a concise manner. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Melissa: You make a great point - we become more effective when we can identify both our strengths and weakness because we can improve upon both. Regards, Barry