Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Margaret: Truly, teaching is a lifelong process. Because the student dynamic is always changing, we have to be willing to adapt as well. I think it helps keep me younger thinking - something that becomes more vauable every year. I've learned I can never do everything perfectly, but I'm willing to shoot for excellence. Sounds like you are as well. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Susan: Students seem to remember stories, so when needed information is preceded by a story or situation or included along with it, I think students are more likely to put that in long-term memory and reatin it, probablbly because the can relate to the story - someting they've already experienced or can imagine in their minds. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Rick: In this case, you are giving the students a "bonus", and although some migh argue that it's just semantics, I think there is a difference between bonuses and extra credit. If my students learn the required the necessary information, the grading and points are less important to me. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Carol: I believe there is certain information that simply must be mastered. Awarding extra credit to offset not learning essential information would be unfair to the students who have learned the material, and what does that say about the student who can't perform or recall the substituted information? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Carol: Boy, I agree. This activity can take a little extra time but I think the payoff is well worth it, for all the reasons you mention. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Carol: Good analogies! I think many of us us write notes to remind ourselselves of important information we don't want to forfet. A journal is a great way to culminate these teaching ideas. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Ellen: I think students just do better when they know their status in a course. Even it's it's not great, they want to know where they stand. I think it also gives the teacher an opportunity to listen to the student and be ready to assist in classroom and even personal matters, if the student feels like they need to share. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Margaret: I think pretesting can be very useful. It takes time and effort, but pays off in the way students relate to it - anticipation of what's coming ahead, interest in unfamiliar topics, excitement about information they'll use in their profession. The teacher can use it to help plan as well. Reagrds, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Margaret: I think good, sound learning objectives accompanied with the instructor resources and content knowledge to back them up can achieve the hard skills (course knowledge) and soft skills (professionalism, attendance, puntuality, courtesy, etc.). Teaching requires we pass on both. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Margaret: I agree and think student are quick to pick up on less prepared instructors. That can possibly have a negative effect that reflects poorly on the instructor in the eyes of the students; it may be accurate, but that's the perception. Regards, Barry