Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Hi Oriole: Sounds like you've got all the bases covered there. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Keith: It sounds like you have a solid grading system in placed that is matched against guided and supervised assignments. So, there's no need for extra credit. It appears the students are graded on the required assignments - as it should be. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi Keith: When we evaluate a students performance, we should be measure their performance against preapproved Student Learning Outcomes (SLO's) and course objectives. That's really the only way to know how close to the target we came. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Ken: Thanks for the reference. I would say that personality is a factor in every case (student-teacher relationship). What matters though, is if that personality is one that is appreciated or welcomed by the students. I believe if students sense that their teacher truley cares about their success, that's going to make a difference. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Laura: Sounds like you've a good handle on keeing students engaged, intewrested and involved in their class lessons. Good Job! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Ken: Great! I'm a big believer in getting to know my students (on an appropriate professional level), but that can still mean natural, comforatable, approchable, willing to take time to listen to students, etc. In the best of circumstances, I think the student's performance can be improved when there is a positive relationship present with the course instructor. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Ken: Yes, with the emphasis on "early feedback". Giving the student enough time to make corrections or adjustments in their study, or whatever other assistance we can give is best when there is time remaining for our advice to make a difference. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Ken: I agree that our instructional personalities are all but inevitable to seep into our delivery and presentation. True, we want to focus on the course content and avoid wasting students time by telling stories that are not related to the content. Without personality, it would seem a monotonous and less than interesting presenation would be the result. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Ken: Great example! I think there are classes where pretesting may not be helpful, but in most cases, if there's time to develop these pretests they ought to be used. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Carlos: Field trips do take a bit of planning and time, and the learning-to-time ratio is low. But I think students enjoy these activities, many of which can be very rewarding and memorable. Regards, Barry