Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Ronald: I think generally true. More basic, we want to make sure that we measure acuarately what the student learned. I think more categories and variety of learning methods works best. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Victor: Each teacher and institution has to decide to waht degree (if any) extra credit is allowed. Many discouarge it's use, especially in profressions where the health, safety, or welfare of people will be a factor. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi April: Sensitivity to how best can I convey or impart the student learning outcomes and course objectives is another way of expressing a student centered focus. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi April: Good description. For me student centered means one of two things. One is individualizing the instruction for each student as much as possible. The other is approaching my instruction from the students point of view. Two methods of a simialr concept. In both the student benfits from my flexibity and willingness to facilitate their learning, rather than just giving information. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi April: True, and every instructor has their own version of it - just as every student is unique. Basic traits of being honest and genuine, prepared and caring, and sincere in your delivery will almost always be received well. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi April: There are different kinds of back up plans. One might be for when the instructor is absent. Another is for what you have planned can't be presented. Yet another is when there's time lft over and you want to fill it with something meaningful. In each of these scenarios's, a different kind of activity is good to have in ready should it have to be used. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Earl: There are probably some classes that a field trip or guest speaker isnn't real applicabkle, but I can't think of any vocational or career courses that couldn't benefit. It's too bad that time constraints and other barriers prevent these exciting activities from being regular occurrences. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Earl: That's what's so cool about field trips - everyone including the teacher can be the recipient of a dynamic, powerful experience! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Roberto: Field trips are like aventures and are usually quite memorable. Questions, impressions made, contacts and interaction al contribute to an enhanced, engaging experiece. Memorable. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi April: Good back up plans are used when for whatever reason what youhave plkanned can't be done. zDiscussion, review, sutudent presentatations are among my favorites because they require little preparation, are low tech, can be intitiated on short notice, and are directly related to the course topic. Regards, Barry