Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Enrique: Students get DIS-engaged when they lose attention, are not interested, or are unable to understand the material being taught. Therefore, analysis of why students have veered from being engaged is key. Once a teacher feels they recognize why, they can intervene with an appropriate activity. Sometimes, to get students refocused doesn't take much. A change of media, a story or a bit of humor to bring everyone back together, or if needed, a different activity that emphasizes key points that are part of the lesson (such as discussion, video, workbook, qquestion and answer, etc) can refocus the class.… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Enrique: Good comment. In other profession (theater, orchestra, sports), how could any success occur withhout practice or rehearsal. So, I think there's a point to be made about doing some preparation of delivery style and content for selected presentations. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Peggy: Great! Students sense whebn a teacher sincerely cares about their students and their learning, and when they are just doing a job. In a student centered environment, the student should both learn but also feel that when they are in class, their instruction is the most important priority. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Mark: Good use of resources available to you. The more variety you can add, the more interesting and enjoyable the class will be for your students. Variety alls contributes to better information retention, which is usually related to better student outcomes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Peggy: I believe there is a difference between a "bonus question" and extra credit. Many teachers believe if it's reqiured it should be included in the graded component of the course. That said, a bonus question may give the student a chance to show they've learned something particularly difficult beyond what is required. Some might say it's just semantics, but there is a diiference. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Peggy: Great. I think the more we know at what level of knowledge or performance our students are at, the better able we are to transfer our knowledge to them and help them meet the course objectives. I don't think students really mind doing pretesting either, particuarly if they know there in no grade associated with the activity. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Peggy: Good mix of media. PPT or whiteboard alone makes for a difficult learning environment if it goes on for too long. Mixing up the resources available, and using a variety of media will keep the students attention better, contribute to more student participation, and lead to better retention of needed information and learning outcomes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Kellie: We can use our own work performance as examples of expectations at work - being good role models fosters replication of that attribute. It's unfortunate when a teacher who is quite knowledgeable fumbles around, disorganized and messy, and has to waste students time. Students have enough clutter in their lives. They shouldn't have to come to school and experience more of it. Regards, barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Peggy: Good job! Keeping students engaged is a challenge sometimes. The best way is when students feel the information is important, or will be on a test, helpful to them in the employment setting, or is just plain fun. So, whnever I want to keep students focused I align the daily activities to one of the above items I know they'll be interested in, and usually it makes for a more enjoyable experience for all. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Misty: Good! Whenever we perform activities that aim to assist students complete their work or improve their learning opportunities, we are taking steps closer to being student centered. Of course, we have to meet the course objectives, but usually there is a lot of lattitude in how that accomplished. I sometimes refer to the "Blah/Wow", simply refering to how I would like my students to think about my classes. Would they think "Blah", or would they think "Wow". Thinking in a student centered perspective, I'm more likely to get that wow! Regards, Barry