Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Isabel: Power-points and videos are a fun way of breaking up a lecture. One thing instructors may consider is a balance of activities that addresses all types of learning methods: visual, audio, and kinesthetic. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Carolina: Those are good ideas. Another one may also be to roam the class as time allows. Sometimes the presence of the instructor standing near the desk of the student while they lecture can be a strong motivator for the student to listen up. Some instructors may also use the phrase "this is one of the most important things we're going to talk about today....". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Daniel: Being prepared does give the message the instructor cares about the student outcome. Most of us can probably think of a teacher we've had that we can say "that person cared". And those people were usually prepared, and approachable if we had difficulty with the topic. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Debra: Guest speakers are a great way to renew interest in a topic. They bring a fresh perspective to the material. This can be especially helpful if it's a topic that will be used by the student in their job or career in some way. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi Daniel: Great points - one way that may work to help keep a student feeling connected is by using an approach that helps the student feel they can approach the instructor. Some students who don't feel this may need extra help to succeed in the course, but won't pursue it because they don't feel inclined to talk to the teacher. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Debra: Exactly! As instructors, we always need to keep in mind that there are many ways students learn information. Some learn best by listening, some by seeing, some by doing (hand-on). Most consider a combination of teaching styles is the best way to deliver information to be sure of hitting all types of learners in the way they learn best. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Debra: Games are always a fun way of breaking up the material in a new way. The one thing we as instructors need to be careful of is if we have too many activities that distract the student away from the material. On the other hand, it is an equal consideration keeping the student interested in the material, and sometimes a game can do that very thing. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi William: It is important to be prepared for two reasons - first, to decrease the amount of stress an instructor may feel when delivering that information, and second, to maintain credibility with the student group. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Debra: Exactly - by keeping them up on their academic status throughout the course, they can make changes to study habits sooner than later, which should facilitate more successful outcomes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi William: That's true - especially if you've never used a new resource. Doing a run through with any material you've never used before is a great way to make sure of this. Regards, Barry