Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Larry, For me, I look at SLO's as the "what" that students need to learn. The course and daily objectives are the "how" that those SLO's will be met. The goal of every course is that all SWLO's will be met for every student. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Terry, I think sharing of progress is essential and as important as learning the course material. Weaker students need to know where improvement is needed. Stronger students can be reassured of their succesful progress. All students can be given support and encouragement. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Terry, Yes, successful, satisfied graduates are a very rewarding event. For me, the tenets I want to provide are the career skills, knowledge, and professional behavior required for successful employment. If I can impart the skill of critical thinking too, that will help them in both in their personal lives and their work setting. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Terry, Students want and need order, direction, and prociency from their instructor. That doesn't mean there can't be some fun and the class interesting. But at the core is need for competent instruction of the topic material. Students will forgive mistakes, but not lassitude, apathy or failure to be prepared by the instructor. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Yolanda, You're right, there is no option for not being prepared. As professionals, our need to be prepared for our classes is no less important than any other individual or professional whose job includes responsibility for others in some way. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Jeff, I always try to think about worst case scenario. I want my back up plans to be current, easy to implement, low tech, interesting, and contribute to student learning. Doing something that is just a time filler helps no one. So each instructor needs to use their experience and familiarity with their course to determine what back up plans would be appropriate. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Eric, Some students need a lot of coaching, while others just want the basic facts. Either way, an integral part of any class is the informing students about their status. It is as important as the class content. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Harrison, When my boss stops by and says something like, "hey I appreciate you for what you do", that goes a long way. It's not so much a formal evaluation, but it can be a real motivator. So when I give a student their grade and/or attendance information, a good dose of support and recognition for effort can contribute in a positive way, beyond just grade information. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Lawrence, Even my "A" students deserve to be recognized and can benefit from encouragement. But, as you say, students with areas the need to work on should be conveyed early on so there is time for any adjustments to have an positive impact on their grade. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Eric, I always want to provide the instruction my students need. If I feel I'm taking more time (or too little) on a subject, I feel like I haven't prepared well. Barry Westling