Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Donald, I agree. I think an energetic class that's lively, led by an enthusiastic facilitator who is upbeat and positive will have happier students and who will get more out of their classes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Donald, Unfortunately, not all instructors are "polished". That's why hopefully, some see themselves in some of these post and will strive to make needed improvements. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

John, Well done. I think better instructors are those that are willing to view their instructional activities through the lens of probably needing continuous improvement, no matter how long they have been in their position. When we do that, we are bound to become better instructors. I consider myself as someone who is kind and gentle, tolerant, patient and understanding, and approachable. But it has taken many years to convey these same attributes to my students. I think we all are a "work in progress". Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Alyson, Good example. To demonstrate sensory deprivation, I have my students blindfolded, ears plugged, wearing nose clips, or taping their fingers together so they can mimic the difficulty individuals with these kinds of sensory impairments experience. It's a very effective exercise in both communication and kinesthethic abilities. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Alyson, Very true. Experiencing a slice of what the expected work setting will be like can be a transformational experience for some students, resulting in them buckling down, modifying their study efforts, and working towards improving their performance based on being motivated and inspired by their field trip experience. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Jerry, Yes, this is one aspect. Also, when instructors are presenting reqired information students are often at different levels. To get all students aligned and on the same page, it is helpful to work with individual students with their special needs, explanations, or exercises to get them to the level of understanding desired by the instructor. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Terry, First off, understand I have a bias, because I teach and supervise classes that are medical. When the health and safety of patients are a consideration, I have an ethical obligation to be sure my students are safe, knowledgeable, and can apply their knowledge in a responsible manner. Unfortunately, I have to fail some students, even those who are close, due to falling a little (or a lot) short of demonstrating their proficiency and demonstrated competence. Many medical programs have proficiency where the student must achieve 100% or they do not pass. Perhaps in other classes where a persons… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Rachael, Glad you found some benefit from the lessons. A lot of terms are thrown around loosely, sometimes it's OK to generalize. But when using terms in educational circles, words have specific meanings, and specific purposes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Tatiana, Quite true. It's been said that 90% of the students should be receiving 90% of the material, 90% of the time. Now, I think someone just liked using the number "90", but there is truth in the axiom, that most students should be grasping most of the material (to what percentage will always be a variable). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Terry, I agree. I think review of daily or weekly material, and/or discussion of same is one of the best ways an instructor can use their time in a productive manner with their students. I think it's rare that students can grasp the bulk of the material they receive in a single session. And while some students may feel the reviewing or discussion groups is somewhat redundant, the benefit is that that all students receive a little more than they would have. Barry Westling