Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Laura: Pretesting is a helpful and relative simple tool, that's probably underused. Basically, I think by providing a preview of what's to be covered in the class helps me plan for tweaking the class if needed, but also may give some students helpful motivation about what they'll learn in the course. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Carlos: Yes, commend, not condem! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Carlos: Sometimes it takes just a little "snap" to get students refocused; other times it takes more, such as changing media, chaninging topics, or changing the method of delivery. Better teachers are continuously aware of their students "interest level", and are prepared to initiate a "change-up" when they sense it's necessary. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Carlos: Students look to us as teachers and having the where with all to deliver the needed curriculum in a competent and thorough manner. How that's delivered (personality) can contribute to better (or less than wonderful) student learning outcomes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Shelina: Choices made do make a difference and I agree it depends on the dynmanics of the class, the topic, and a host of other factos that determine how best to teach the lessons in the most efficient and meaningful manner. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Carlos: Yes, a teaching journal can be a helpful tool. I think it's use can an occassional, intermittent, or frequent occurence depending multipl factors that relate to the teaches view of the benefit they receive. Ultimately, it's a simple tool that can help make calsses better and techers more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Linda: I aree. Thisis our obligation as instructors and should be fundamental to anyone engaged in the teaching profession. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Lori: Very true. Enthusiatic, exciting, optimisic and interesting teachers are almost always going to have a positive effect on their students and their susscesses. And I think most all teachers are capable of providing this simple attribute within their classes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Aaron: You developed a method that works for your class, so that's fine. As for extra credit I believe that too much can skew grades and tha may intere with essential learning that's necessary. I don't think EC should ever be substituted for regular, required assinments. But a little tweak probably isn't a catastrophe if it's just a smidgen. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Christne: We are examples and role models to our sudents. Even if the students fall short, that's still not a reason for the teacher to not have their act together. But an orderly, organized teacher comes to class prepared and ready for the day's work, student can pick up on that trait and can learn by it. Regards, Barry