Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Lou: Great post! I often talk about the purpose of my classes and although grades are involved as a measuring guide, they're not the sole purpose, rather being the best at what they're bring trained so they can be top notch employees. If we can focus on the established student learning outcomes (SLO's), we're more likely to provide quality instructional service to our students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Joseph: Great idea. Many students create these grade tracking sheets on their own but sharing how it works with all your students is a terrific 1st step towards conveying that you are willing and wanting to help see them through their classes to a successful conclusion. I think that hepls create a positive interaction with the students too. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Margaret: I agree as well. There are few attributes as important that an instructor can possess than passion, enthusiasm, courtesy, respect, and knowledge. When students feel good about their learning environment they're bound to do better in class and as graduate workforce employess. Some instructors are more natural in their delivery or presentation, but I believe anyone who is detremined to be the best instructor they can be can learn techniques that emulate these traits. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi Ricky: The transfer of knowledge (from the teacher or textbook)is the ultimate goal of instruction. Assessment is the process of evaluating to what degree the student has learned. So, there may be many versions or assessment methods used, the emphasis should be on the learning that has occured, more so than the points and/or grading system. That said, all of the reasons you stated above are true and applicable. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Cindy: Very good! Although some might object to the idea of "entertainment", I agree and think it's true. Engaging students with activities that are creative and interesting will also assist with retention of information and ultimately a better employee in the workforce. Sneaking learning into an activity the students view as a game or fun exercise is a great idea and we should employ this tactic whenever possible. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Joannie: Getting students motivated can be tricky, especially if you have a cohort that is less than fully interested in learning. You have some good comments. I would just add that motivation had to come from within to be meaningful. I think when students can be inspired to see what they're capable of achieving, that they can be succsessful, and that their teachers care about their learning - these kind of things can positively contribute to internal motivation. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Guy: Many instructors do not allow EC in their classes for the reasons you listed and others. For instance, it skews the grades, and rewards lesser performance. Ultimately the instructor has to assure their students know the needed course material. EC is one way to award points. If the students have learned, I think that's the most important factor, regardless of the grading system or points awarded. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Hi Guy: Sometimes it's a challenge to find the right mix of content and delivery choices when you have a diverse population of students with differing levels of knowledge and motivation. Some teachers will break their student into groups - many ways to do this, all successful to some degree. One combination might be one bright students with several weaker students. Another method is to put the brighter students in one group and the weaker students in another group. Each group is given similar but different assignments. This allows the instructor to spend more time and attention with their weaker… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Joannie: Great comment. Movement creates variety, interest, perhaps even excitement. Matching your media choices with the learning objectives will assure the students get the essential information. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Guy: Instilling passion and desire to learn definitely has to come from within. Encouragement, patience, giving extra time to weaker students - these are just a couple of methods to try to inspire an unmotivated student. Regards, Barry