Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Jack, Good training prepares good workers. That's it in a nutshell. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Edson, This is a good summary of the essence of what student-centered learning is all about. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Jack, Yes, and along with that preparation, when students feel their instructor cares, they're more likely to follow directions, be attentive, and as a result do better in class. Like teamwork, both instructor and student working towards the same goal. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Belinda, I have seen students students literally transform form mediocre to outstanding based on their experience with a field trip. They can be very motivating and stimulating to the point that students buckle down change their ways, and begin on focusing to be prepared for the work setting. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

AnnaMarie, Right. No one wants surprises at the end of a course. Some times students fall below the threshold for passing. I never want that to happen without feeling that I have done everything above and beyond to make sure the student knows their status, and have been given ample help and time to make needed corrections. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Tanya, You're right, we have a duty, to provide competent instruction, and to provide timely information regarding the students progress towards their success achievement in the class. Technology can help. I run weekly reports and if students are hovering around a low "C", I'll make time to have a chat. This is in addition to other formal methods I use to measure and inform progress. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Ivy, I think one way to promote a good relationship with a student is to meet on on one to discuss grades, make suggestions, and offer support. This helps build trust and respect for one another too. Sharing grade information is one way to create a positive relationship. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Kim, Taking the easy way out is a choice many students will take if that option is given to them. My belief is if information is important, students must master it to earn a grade. Artifically raising grades when students are deficient only diminishes the value of the content being presented. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Tanya, Exactly. No one wants loose ends due to lack of planning or lack of knowledge about students prior learning. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Jamie, Right. We mainly want to know where we can put the emphasis so students and instructor don't waste valuable time in covering information alreadly possessed by the students. Reviewing before a major test may be an exception to this idea, but I would rather review material some students feel they already know than to go into a test with less than fully prepared students. Barry Westling