Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Carmina, For me, success on the job is the proof of a good education. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Richard, Very nice. This is one of the great benefits using a teaching journal provides. The cool thing is these comments are our own, and no one ever needs to read and reflect on the contents (without our permission). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Patricia, Right. Students expect their instructors are knowledgeable, skilled professionals. Being prepared and ready to go at the designated time goes to reinforce that sentiment. We have to practice what we preach. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Gordon, When weighted components are used as the basis of grading it sometimes takes some "trial and error" to fine tune exactly where one component should be weight with respect to the other graded components. Ultimately, I want to be as sure as possible that I am accurately measuring student learning. Periodically, this will require some tweaking to make sure that is happening. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Andrew, The way I look at it is as measuring the degree of learning. For instance, it would rare (impossible) that a student would not learn anything. On the other hand it's inspiring (and rare) when a student masters all material in a course. I expect my assessment and grading system to measure the learning in both these extremes, and everywhere in between. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Andrew, Creative. (Actually, I think most instructors do something similar). I think the main thing is to be sure the students are getting the needed information. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Abdul, I want to help students learn, using every method and technique I know of. Then I want to measure retention and degree of learning. For me, I don't allow EC at all. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Abdul, These are both great strategies to use. I think asking questions right at the moment students begin to get disengaged helps get everyone back on track. But if it persits, doing a whole change up or alternate activity may be warranted. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Andrew, Super! Passion and enthusiastiam are hard traits to beat when we want to provide an energized, upbeat classroom environment. This is always better for students in their pursuit of learning. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Abdul, Right. For me, something beneficial translates into useable skills and knowledge, along with a practical approach to getting along successfully in the work setting the graduate is being prepared to work in. Barry Westling