Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Alison: Exactly. Instructors who are unprepared tend to lose credibility with their student groups. Lost credibility is sometimes really difficult to regain. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Angela: Yes - we've all had instructors who were less than adequately prepared. And students who find themselves in that situation probably will feel how we all do - that either instructor doesn't care, or has lost some credibility with the group. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Alison: True - definitely one of the most important. However, lets keep in mind all learning styles. Most instructional strategies agree that a combination of teaching methods is most efficient in a group of students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Alison: You're absolutely correct - by giving the student the chance to use another approach to learning keeps the information fresh and interesting. By having this type of learning environment, we help keep morale to a high. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting evaluation methods

Hi Patrick: This is traditionally the most efficient method - it shows the student where they are in relation to the whole at any given time. And usually, there may be a little "wiggle room" for the student to improve in each component if the student is doing poorly. The exception to that is with final exams, or singular examinations of that nature. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Patrick: Yes, and by doing so, we allow the student a chance to make changes in study habits so they will have more successful outcomes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Hi Patrick: One school of thought is having more information available to present to the students than can possibly be discussed in one section. While this may not always be possible, the wisdom of the philosophy is that the instructor will never run out of material to be presented. With some topics, this is probably never an issue - there's always enough to talk about! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Hi Patrick: In the begginning, the instructor may be called upon to look at instructional materials that will support the content they are teaching to the students. Through trial and error, an instructor may be able to identify what works, and what doesn't, and modify what they teach in future sessions. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi Patrick: You aska great question - who designs these outcomes? Many times, it is organizational in nature. However, perhaps the instructor has the most influence of identifying what these are to be, depending on the learning situation. If that were the case, it is important for students to be able to articulate what they will be able to define, discuss, etc. after taking the course. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Patrick: Very true, in order to best curtail our instructional methods, it depends on what type of environment we are teaching in. The impartation of knowledge, regardless of the method is the ultimate goal here. Regards, Barry