Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Edward: I like being in a class where the teacher appears very relaxed, natural in speech and tone, approachable and caring, and knowledgeable in their delivery. Everyone will have their special way of portraying these attributes, but I see these same commments year after year regarding what students consider "the good teachers". We are all capable of achieving a similar environment for learning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Edward: Students do expect their teachers to be subject matter experts. The best way to assist students learn the needed information is being there for them to facilitate learning and provide answers when they need help. When the lessons are preplanned, resources set-up, materials ready, these actions convey to the student the teacher is ready and prepared for the class. However it's done, we want to convey to students we are there for them, to contribute to making their learning a successful experience. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Hi Maureen: Where SLO's are the "goal" of each class, your daily or course objectives provide the daily plan of action. I might suggest you look at each objective and think about how many different ways a particular objective could be met. For instance: group discussion, lecture, PPT, Q and A, video or DVD's, overhead slides, etc. The purpose is to make sure the objectives are met. So, repeating or using multiple methods is OK. An additional comment is to try to incorporate student participation in as many activities as possible: active vs passive instruction. I think the more involved… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Maureen: Great!. I think stories, situations, and related circumstances when presented at appropriate times can be very interesting - people like stories. Sometimes all it takes to get folks reconnected is a short "change up" such as you've described. Keeping students focused takes effort and sensitivity to when the seem to zoned out, doesn't it? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Virginia: I really like scheduling field trips too. Sometimes, I see marginally motivated students become truly inspired, followed by a 180 degree reversal of their interest in the class and desire to do their best. I agree that a different environment or presenter can break up the norm, and students usually appreciate the change of pace. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Sara: Great! When students sense you care, want them to succeed, and demonstrate that you will assist them in all ways possible, they begin to see you're since about helping them do their best. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Dennis: Yes, and I believe each and every contact is an opportunity to be a teacher. As in this situation, I can be instructive by reaching out to the student and offering my advice, giving assistance, or maybe just a little bit of encouragement. Sometimes I think that's as important (almost) as the course content. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Carmen: I think it's helpful to "assist" the guest by providing a list of current topics or areas of emphasis you want to make sure get covered. I don't mean telling them how to say it or portray it - that's the benefit of a fresh face and different perspective. I think when the speaker is cued into current topics, the students will realize what the teacher and school is emphasizing is realistic, and the discussion will reinforce current topics, more so than just some unrelated remarks. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Andrew: Yes, organized usually is accompanied by methodical, planned, structured, balanced, and well timed lessons. This is rarely the outcome if a teacher has not prepared. And as you say, the students will n otice, and possibly some respect for the teacher will be lost. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Hi Dennis: Fair and consitent, for me, describes the best reason for setting up a grading rubric. Also, although you sort of touched on this, students can determine in advance how much effort and to a degree, what grade they want to try to achieve. I have to say, I have still have had students argue my decision on what level they performed. Just to say, rubrics are great because they're objective - but not perfectly so. Regards, Barry