Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Ronald: Great. Choosing the most appropriate way to convey information to students can make the difference whether a student fully grasps the material being presented. Given different learning styles and abilities, this becomes an important task for the instructor. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting media for your classes

Hi Ronald: Quite correct! Usually, the more media and senses you can involve in your lesson the more likely the student will retain the information. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Methods to develop backup plans

Hi Steve: I'm sure you're very careful about how you direct your students and classroom environment. Anf I believe your methods of "bulb presentation" discussion format is far advanced and more useful than single media only, such as lecture only, PPT only, etc. Thanks for your good post. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting media for your classes

Hi Steve: Yes, the PPT (in my opinion) is best used as a guide to discussion, referral to the text, student commentary, or essential points of a lesson. Also, diagrams, photograpghs, charts and graphs are good uses for PPT. It's a tool and should not be the whole focus. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing An Evaluation System

Hi Steve: I'll have to say that extra credit is a controverssial subject as not all teachers embrace the idea of awarding it. With that said, I can add that when it is used, sometimes the EC can contribute just enough to get a good student a passing grade when circumstances have prevented completion or delays or poorer performance with the regular assignments. Others might say that, while unfortunate the circumstances, earned points are the only ones that count towards the grade. If used, it absolutely has to be fairly administered and should be presented at the beginning of a… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Methods to develop backup plans

Hi Thomas: I think what you're doing is a great way to involve the class. Discuss, reference the book, share a story, ask for feedback. Using the PPT to prime the pump is good, but thats just to get things rolling. Your class style seems like it would interesting. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Methods to develop backup plans

Hi Steve: Some students will want to hog the time while others will be shrinking violet types. We should try to get a balance of all the class engaged in the learning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Preparing to Manage Your Class

Hi Thomas: Great. The first step towards improvement is awreness of the need. And believe me, most all of us can use improvement is some area of our personal and professional lives. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting media for your classes

Hi Burke: Great. Sometimes the trick is to try to find which media it is that reaches all of your students. There are different learning styles, behaviors, perspectives, and abilities. No one media will be best in all settings. That's why it's best if you can mix it up a bit with a variety of media choices. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Preparing to Manage Your Class

Hi Ronald: Successful classes are often preceded with praparation, groundwork, and research. More of this will result in more effective classroom session - and student learning. Regards, Barry