Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Brian: Good Whenever we as reachers can make the instruction more meaningful their going to retain more and learn better from from the classes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Sandra: Keeping track of ideas, needs, and possibilities for improvements to existing courses helps teachers keep their classes current, lively, and overall, more enjoyable as often, changes for the good are made that improve the class and student learning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Chris: That's one of the best reasons for teachers to use pretests. Each class or topic often will be different from others, especially if it's a new group of students. We can tweak the curriculum to be a better match for what the students are lacking and where we want to add emphasis and focus. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Chris: Good analysis. Students benefit too, by previewing upcoming topics. Some may even get motivated or excited about coming events. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Chris: Therory or practical - almost the same purpose: WE need to be able to transfer what we have as teachers and find a way to pass that along to students. When this works, they take what we give, use the knowledge, then take it further. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Chris: Yeah, it's like following a process that's established and solid as a rock, it's not going to budge. Or, we can be sensitive to the needs of the student, flexible in our approach to the delivery of course material based on student needs. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi Christine: To put another way, we teach, but instruction has not occurred unless learning and increased knowledge has occurred as the result. Sort of like the difference between hearing and listening. In a conversation one person is talking, but they're not communicating if the other is not listening. Yet sound was present in both situations. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Christine: One of the concerns regarding awarding EC is that it almost always is subjectively awarded or granted by the instructor. I know the last thing any teacher wants is an (incorrect) accusation of favortism or being unfair. Good students who do all their assigned work sometimes feel it's not fair for students who don't get all of their assignments completed, but are given the chance to get extra credit to make up the difference. Too much, and it'll skew the whole grading system. I know extra credit works and can understand teachers who elect to use it. I… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Maureen: Points and grades are like money to students. Even if they don't earn a lot, are doing poorly, they want to know how much is in the kitty. What we can do to approach this mentality is to try to make a personal connection with students when we share grades and course status. I mean, just be natural, honest, helpful, show them that we care. They'll appreciate it and maybe they will be willing to try harder because therealize you care. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Kham: I agree. Essential course content should be required and graded before any consideration of extra credit is pondered. Good students who perform well may feel too much extra credit is not fair, especially if grades get skewed too much much from frivolous extra credit points. As teachers, do we want to emphasize points and grades, or learning and career knowledge? Regards, Barry