Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Connal: Your categories sound fine. The test of effectiveness is if they measure student learning evening, fairly, and consistently. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Christine: Sounds like this works for you and it is allowed at your institution. The slippery slope with extra credit is the potention for an allegation of inconsitency or "not being fair". Of course thats never the intent but if the rules arn't clearly stated and available to all students, some may feel that way. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Ricky: Informing students about class goings on and the daily plan are essential to achieving the outcome you're interested in. Often the teacher has to try to get the idea across by different methods or approaches. Better teachers are willing patiently try multiple avenues and not give up until the student has learned the material. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi Ricky: Yeah, learning is like walking down an unfamiliar road: it presents interesting and difficult parts, and hopefully leads to where you're going. Some people just walk faster than others. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Keyasha: Student centered instructor - wow, what a wonderful idea! I think students benefit more from this kind of engagement, more so than being lectured to. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Ronald: Thanks for sharing. I find students like hearing about my more human trials and errors, and the situations that made me a better person. It's not like preaching "look what I did", but more of "this is what I became because of .....fill in the blank". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Connal: Good ideas all. Maybe you could have students critique other students work and vise versa as way to develop their own competencies - of course with you guidance. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Connal: Interesting....listening in a cooking class. As you say, the finesse and subtlties of many dishes are had in the memory (stored in all of the senses). Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Arturo: Well, we all learn from our mistakes, and our successes. Journalizing caputures those perals of insight while they're fresh. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Methods to develop backup plans

Hi Kimberly: People like stories becasuse, as you say, it's something they can relate to. It helps retain the point you're trying to make too. Regards, Barry