Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Aprilyn: Many teachers will try to stimulate memory by using different media such as you describe. Also, involving multiple senses in the instructional process facilitates instruction. It takes thought, creativity, and planning to use senses in most lessons, but with practice many teachers find they get into a flow and they start naturally thinking this way. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Faith: You're right - preparation shows! I agree with you too that students appreciate (respect) the time and effort a teacher will put into a particular presentation. This gives us the opportunity to be good role models for the trade or work they're being trained for. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Rodney: Many teachers will agree with you and many will have an opposing view. Extra credit is a very controversial topic and I can't resolve it in this forum. However, on the side of not allowing it, I can say that issues of fairness, skewing of grades, and possession of needed content are among the aurgument against awarding extra credit. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Rodney: Sure - good point. By planning, this allows the instructor to augment or add emphasis wherethat particular class is going to need extra work or study. It can serve as a motivational tool as students will see previews of what's coming up and perhaps get excited about information they're going learn. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Dorrell: Yes. Defining at what level your students are at. Teachers can also use pretesting to plan for the unique and diverse population of students they receive that varies from class to class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Dorrell: I also think personality gives the students a vision and/or inspiration of what they can achieve if their instructor is dynamic: enthusiastic, caring and compassionate, knowledgeable and informative, approachable and available - gosh, who wouldn't want a teacher like that. As teachers, we can all aspire to be better. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Rodney: Yes, I agree taht is one goal, perhaps higher on the scale than others. As teachers, we have the opportunity to share "soft skills" (attendance, courrtesy, responsibilty, self esteem, etc,) along with the core content. I think that's what partially separates good instructors from great ones in the minds and memories of students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Rodney: True, unprepared teachers are not going to be as efficient and productive as they should be. As you imply, wasted time is going to ultimately take time away from the student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Dorrell: I think some student are oblivious and some are very tuned in to the level of preparation an instructor has performened. Nonetheless, it is one our basic duties and responsibitities - our duty to give all we have. And that includes preparation. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Mona: Really, you are quite right about wating the students time and money! Students expect and deserve all we have to offer, and that "all" takes time, effort, interest, and enthusiam to produce. Students will pick up quickly when their teacher is less than fully prepared. not good! Regards, Barry