Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Anthony: Sure. Students pick up subtle clues about an instructors knowledge, confidence, and class management style pretty quick. Conveying your prowess as the leader and expert will help steer the course in the right direction. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Cara: I have found many students will want to improve if tey know where they stand in a class, especially if it's early in the class session so that there is still time to make improvements. Also, often gives the instructor an opportunity to connect with their students 1-on-1. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Cara: Pretesting is also useful as an instructional tool, not just an evaluation tool. Pretests do however give the students an idea of what's ahead for them in the lesson of the course. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Cara: Good! The use of simple emphasis - the tone, the pitch, the expression - all of these and more dictate or telegrapgh a message to the students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Cara: I thinks having everything written and discussed that will impact a grade, performance, or instructor expecatation is a good model. The trick is to anticipate what is necssary to include. Some things ought to be common sense, but one never knows where a student will assume something different from the instructor. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Gerald: Being snensitive as an instructor to the dynamics of a class really requires us to use all of our senses. To be able to tune in to the class or individuals can be an essential tactic to successful classes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Gearld: Your approach is terrific because it demonstrates a willingness to adapt and change - necessary ingridients for any competent instuctor. Good job! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Patti: These games are good use of time, especially in the kind of courses you teach and when attendance is low. Real life situations, however they are presented always makes for an interesting discussion. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Patti: I think having students share with one another helps them learn too, sort of like unofficial teaching aids. You can always correct any area that is off base. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Patti: Your comments make sense. Time is the enemy when trying to plan for field trips. I agree students benefit from these experiences, but it's a time consuming way to achieve a smaller amount of learning. I always tell my guests and filed trip guides what I want them to emphasize, then they can put their spin on it. Regrads, Barry