Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Linda: Nothing wrong with YouTube (except students watching that instead of listening to you). Variety in media selection is one of less seemly but more important teacher responsibilities. It's here that you are deciding what is the best way for me to convey the necessary material in the most time efficient and interesting manner. So taking time and putting thought into this responsibility can pay dividends in the end when assessng student performance, as much will have to do with the media selctions made prior to the class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Meron: Yeah, when we plan our course by thinking about "how would this be for the students", we are being student centered and the outcomes from our instruction are usually better. Lectures - conversation - stories. Students like stories. They are memorable and they can relate to much of the material if it's presented in an easy to follow format. These classes are more interesting and enjoyable. Sounds like you've got a good approach going for you there! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Lisa: You listed some great examples. The thing about back-up plans is that they should be able to be initiated on short notice, related to the current topic, be very low tech, and useful for students. They don't want to feel like you're just filling time. Discussion orinted activities are always good to include since many classs have less time available for ths valuable activity. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Christine: I don't think pretesting has to be done in every class or even all the time. Where it's helpful is leraning at what degree of knowledge or performance your students are so that you can tweak your curriculum in order to put the emphasis where it'll do the most good. Students usually don't mind "a test" if they know it won't count toward's a grade (unless you decide to make it so). I wouldn't recommend making a pretest a graded activity. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Maria: I think there are few instances that student's "deserve" extra credit. For me, that's like saying, "I'll give extra points to some students but not others". Now I know you don't mean it that way, but if extra credit is important, I think it should just be a part of the regular curriculum and available (and expected) of all students. Things like dropping the lowest quiz or a bonus point on a final example - those make sense because they relate to learning. Having students choose not to do some things then wanting credit for other things just… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Maria: Yes, pretesting can be valuable. For me, I use it if I'm unsure of the degree of knowledge or performance students have. From that, I make small chanages in my planned curriculum. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Maria: You're right about the impact these two activities can provide. I'll suggesst that even newly graduated students who are working can be terrific guest speakers. They are often more willing, have current gap knowledge (school-real world work experience), and are usually very enthusiastic. I would consider recent grads along with the other seasoned speakers you may have on your list of participants. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Benny: You're right about some student's "interest aroused" by th field trip experience. A student can more of a certain kind of learning from a field trip then they ever could in a classroom. The inner emotions and motivations can be stirred up to such a degree that some students become "unstoppable". When an activity is that powerful, I'll take it anytime. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Marry: Yes, adult education does bring all the generation together, doesn't it? For me, pretesting is helpful when I'm unsure what the new students in a beginning class know or what level the perform at. With this knowledge I'm able to put emphasis where it's needed and avoid wasting valuable time on areas where not as much emphasis is required. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Mary: You're right about the time; time used well and time saved through effective organization. Organized teachers tend to think a certain way; they're focused on the needs of their students, the resources required, the delivery and presentation, and they put thought and planning into how best to teach the maerial pertinent to the lesson. Anyone can learn to apply theselogical and sequential steps, but some teachers are just more inclined to do it naturally. Regards, Barry