Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Tenisha: Your personalization of the class is great. I think these kinds of things helps create more positive relationships with your students, and because of that, makes for a better learning environment. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Tenisha: I agree. And students will repect a teacher more when they are prepared. Otherwise, they may feel the teacher doesn't care, is disinterested, or is unwilling to offer assistance. Organized suggests "I'm ready - let's get going"! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Bryant: Students are always interested in how they're doing and (some student), how they can improve. By developing a process whereby students are informed regularly of their progress they'll have the best opportunity to make adjustments in their study efforts and preparation in order to possibly achieve a better grade. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Hi Bryant: Great story! I bet many instructors have stumbled upon this epiphany. As the individual in charge, we have the ability to direct, control, evaluate, and plan what the best coursde of action is to keep students interested and engaged for the whole period of class and term of instruction. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi Kim: In some ways, the one time we can't be teachers is when we are assessing their knowledge or giving a test of some kind. Yet, we are able to use the assessment as an instructional tool by reviewing the queswtions and answers, discussing the difficult test questions, having students look up missed questions, and many other similar activities that transform a test into a learning tool. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Kim: Yes, and also pretesting can assit the teacher in the planning for current and future classes. Students are often motivated by how much progress they are able to make in a course or topic they begin knowing little about. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Kim: Really true - we are preparing tommorrow's leaders and workers. Transfering what we know in an enthusistic manner can contribute to motivating and inspiring students - this will advance the technology from where we're at now (point A) to innovation where advances will be made in the future (point B). Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Kim: True, a requirement of any instructor should be to be prepared for any lesson or assignment. Organizing courde material requires planning, and that takes time, effort, and careful thought. Unprepared teachers will not have put forth this kind of effort. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi William: Good thoughts. Personalizing the relationship with students is a great way to earn trust, demonstrate courtesy, exhibit empathy, and offer assistance to struggleing students. It's almost like being a parent and wanting to be a facilitator. Doesn't mean making things necessarily easier, just approaching the student as an individual for whom we care about. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Jacky: If it's useful, I think it should be part of the regular grading matrix. Extra credit is above and beyond what is required - but not a substitute for required assignments. Regards, Barry