Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi John: Even if the curriculum is prepared for you, your creativity in developing effective and interesting delivery methods can contribute to memororable class sessions. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting media for your classes

Hi David: Great! As a tool, PPT's can add quite a bit. Good instructors will rember that PPT, just like any other presentation component, is just a tool. It should not be the focus. The information is what is important, not the instrument that provides it (unless you're teaching the mechanics of how PowerPoint works I guess!) Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Methods to develop backup plans

Hi Cindy: Your hands on and group activity are both activities that will contribute improved student learning and material retention. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Methods to develop backup plans

Hi Cindy: Great! You've addressed an age old problem that appears you've achieved some success with. Wonderful. Sometimes, I think you can learn quite a bit about your students with some of these "change-up" activities. For instance, you might find that the guy who never talks in the regular class session actually has somerting to say, given an environment conducive to open discussion. Good Job! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing An Evaluation System

Hi Debby: Some criteria you might consider includes the amount of time the student spends on each component, the weight of the assignment to the overall learning you want to see occur, and the degree of effort put forth by the student. The last point can be made easier if you use a grading rubric - a tool that pre-defines how many points a student can earn for poor, average, very good, and superior or exemplary. By sharing this information in advance with your students, they can understand how you'll grade and how to potentially earn a better grade by… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing An Evaluation System

Hi Richard: Yes, evaluation systems can be a challenge. One way to examine your evaluation system is to base your assessments on the pre-defined Stuident Learning Outcomes (SLO's) that detail what the lesson or course is about and what the student "will learn". If thes SLO's are written correctly, and the instructor has taught to the objectives, then creating tests, quizzes, and assessments based on the SLO's make this task less subjective and tied exactly to what was taught. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Methods to develop backup plans

Hi Richard: Yes - all of the named snafu's can complicate and frustrate the day's agenda. A good back-up plan will be related to the failed lesson plan and can be implemented in a nearly seamless fashion. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting media for your classes

Hi Richard: Media selections are like the tools that help instructors get their job completed in the most effective and interesting manner. You've touched on some combinations incorporate successful lesson presenhtations. Good! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Preparing to Manage Your Class

Hi Richard: Good! Your willingness to submit to self, student or peer evaluations is an indication that you realize you don't work in a vacuum and that others may be able to offer valuable insight into methods that contribute to you becoming a better or more effective instructor. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing An Evaluation System

Hi Donald: I presume you're talking about letter grades or grading requirements for specific assignments. Well, that may be all well and good, but that doesn't mean you can't add special assignments that allow the students to demonstrate their knowledge or get together in groups and do a group presentation. They may not have a category for grading it, but I'll tell you, when you involve students in their learning, they're more apt to retain the information. Regards, Barry