Barry Westling

Robert, We want course content that meets objectives, achieves student learning objectives, and is presented in an way that is interesting and pertinent to the course of study. Barry Westling

April, Very true. We man make classes interesting or just deliver material in a dry, deadpan manner. Eek, who'd want that? Barry Westling

Harrison, Great. And many instructors also receive the motivation to examine where improvements may be needed, and make a determination to be committed to seeing improvements occur. Barry Westling

April, Failure to prepare is certainly a poor habit and can lead to an awful experience in the classroom. Sort of like losing a saved document that hours was spent creating, we do all we can to remember to not let that happen again. Barry Westling

Peggy, As reasonable as possible I agree that it's important to give out grade information as soon as possible, but not sooner. We should set expectations for when gradaed materiala will be distributed, then stick to that expectation. Soon, students learn that they can trust the word and actions of their instructor. Barry Westling

Vera, The personal touch is really needed in spite of automatic grade and attendance postings. It's like their textbook; all the information is there but do the students use it all? Same with electronic grades and attendance. When we can point to outstanding work, or alternataively, areas that may need atatention, that gives us the opportunity to encourage and offer support and show we care. Barry Westling

Peggy, Good plan, and goes to justify the benefits pretesting can provide. Barry Westling

Peggy, Great. This sounds like you put time in for planning, being creative, and keeping the material fresh for your students. They should appreciate your efforts. Barry Westling

Dianna , Answering questions is a good guage of student learning. Critical thinking, especially in medicine is a valuable skill to be cultivated anad questioning is one way to develop that. Ultimately, students have to think for themselves in the work setting, so what you're doing sounds good. Barry Westling

Dianna , This is not an unfamiliar situation. Depending what time your class is conducted, if possible try to get your guest to arrive first thing or last thing of the class. If they're first, you can adjust your time remaining better, and maybe reflect on what the guest had to say. If at the end of class, your student will appreciate a change in the routine, anad they'll be focused because they know that it for the day and the guest will be done as time will run out. Barry Westling