Barry Westling

Barry Westling

About me

Activity

AnnaMarie, My program has clinical hours they must complete throughout their program. Yet still, attending events apart from their regular clinical experiences adds an enhanced dimension to their education. Students get excited and motivated, and tend to feel more a part of the profession they are training for. Barry Westling
Hugo, I believe even the best students doing well in a class can benefit from a personalized discussion about their progress, even if it's just advice or encouragement. Everyone needs support, and to receive it from the instructor is significant. Barry Westling
Hugo, Of course we want our students engaged and involved. Our preparation sets the stage for that to occur. Barry Westling
Brian, This is good. With a rubric both instructor and student know in advance (or should) how and the conditions which an assignment will be graded. No surprises. I think rubrics should be thoroughly discussed in advance. And a well written rubric can actually help a student prepare. Barry Westling
Lisa, I think classes just run smoother, transitions are easier, and students are more comfortable and at ease when their instructor is prepared as you have laid out. Barry Westling
Donald, Sometimes asking the student to stay informed (check your grade, review your quizzes) is enough to give a general idea. I have found that for me, when I provide individual advice and grade information, it goes further than if I do not. Sometimes clarification of why grades are as they are, or information about upcoming graded activities can help students prepare, and as a result, do better in the class. Barry Westling
Alyson, Electronic grading does help provide the grade information. What is also needed is some personal advice, suggestions, or at least encouragement from the instructor to complement the grade information. Barry Westling
Donald, Sometimes when students are distracted (or distracting others), active engagement is absolutely needed. This means involving them, getting them to answer questions, or seeking their participation in the discussion or perhaps a lab activity. One thing is for sure, when students zone out, if the instructor doesn't intervene, student interest will begin to diminish. Barry Westling

Nastassia, Class size matters, and I am not sure there are any consistencies in how to approach a large class or smaller class. Most of the time it comes down to how well a particular group of students have prepared, their prior knowledge, and factors that affect their ability to study (free from interference of work, childcare, travel, illness, etc). For instance, you point out the importance of good math skills for students taking chemistry. I agree, and this is a good example if a student is weak in math, more instructional time will be spent due to that weaker… >>>

Alyson, This is a good place to insert alternative plans. Sometimes, even the best laid plans are not enough to capture the attention of distracted students (holiday fever is among them). For me, I always try to keep the focus on the job, and how students can benefit personally from my instruction. When I do that, I have more chance I can garner the students focus. Barry Westling

End of Content

End of Content