Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Wayne: Sometimes the PPT that the publisher supplies can be kind of bland, so adding your personal touch for use in the varieties of methods you use is a great idea. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Kim: Yes, sometimes the opportunities available to students are not well appreciated until an experience such as a field trip exposes them to additional options they may not have thought about. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Pricilla: I think you're using a journal in a very appropriate manner. I hope it provides better classes for you down the road. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi Rochelle: Good perspective about the rationale for evaluations! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Ondrea: All teachers have experienced the "phenomenon" of the whole class doing poorly on some assignment or test. In some cases it makes sense to allow some adjustment to compensate if te teacher has not presented the material adquately, but there may be other reasons. Rather than EC, I think bonus assignments, repeat attempts, or review of the material make more sense. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Ondrea: Discussion is very powerful and (probably) underused tool for the classroom. The more students participate in their own learning it is going to be more meaningful and memorable. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi Rhonda: Yes, there needs to be a reliable meansof determining the effectiveness of bot student and teacher. Evaluation is a feedback mechanism which provides needed communication. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Wayne: Class, lab, asssignments, homework, really doesn't matter what the category or situation. We are the best role models for students to emulate in terms of being ready for class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Rhonda: These are good plans. Sounds like your classes will be better in the future. Good luck! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Rhonda: I think students are able to pick up cues from their instructor. When the teacher is upbeat, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and caring, that kind of learning environment will be welcoming and embraced by the students. Regards, Barry