Barry Westling

Hi Doug: Yes, we want true and fair grading. The most important way to assure you are measuring necessary learning is if you relate all of the assessment (quizzes) back to the student learning objectives that should be stated at the beginning of the course. Regards, Barry

Doug: You're right that a little variety can keep a class interesting and topical. Of course, the key lesson points have to be delivered. So as long as you're assured that the learning outcomes will be met, adding some variety can positively contribute to an improved learning atmosphere. Regards, Barry

Doug: I agree. Getting to that place where you know what works and what doesn't can sometimes be a bit difficult because we're always working with different students who bring their own distintive learning style with them. Cracking that code would be a great feat to accomplish! Regards, Barry

Hi Doug: Nice comment. Students are good indicators of "eyes in the back of our heads". If we're honest with ourselves, getting a good grasp of how we are perceived (whether we like it or not) will contribute to becoming a better instructor. Regards, Barry

Hi Ivette: Experienced instructors have many tricks for making good use of unscheduled free time (i.e. found time) in the classroom. For example, some give students 2 ongoing assignments at one time, so that if they finish one ahead of other, they can work on the second assignment independently. How do you make sure there is no wasted time in your classroom? Regards, Barry

Hi Mustafijur: Sometimes a teacher is locked into using an established system for grading. When that's not the case, you want to make sure that your grades reflect the learning that has occured. Sometimes that's very difficult to measure and therefore, grading becomes a bit more difficult. If all lessons are based on well written student learning objectives (outcomes), then the instructor can construct tests that measure those outcomes. That makes grading a whole lot more objective. too. Regards, Barry

Mustafijur: I think this is a terrific idea. Not having to recreate the wheel can save a lot of time. And I think there are notes that pertain to one class that might not be used in another. But when you need some variety or the planned lesson has to be delayed, referring to your old notes can be a life saver. Regards, Barry

Hi Msutafijur: I think you might agree that there are different kinds of "easy". For instance, if easy results in students not learning the essential parts of a lesson, we really aren’t helping the student. Another kind of easy is providing several options or methods or alternatives when presenting your lesson plan. Usually, that won't be easier for the instructor but will offer the student a better learning experience. Regards, Barry

Hi Mustafijur: Your role as instructor will involve many facets that will be needed for effectiveness with your students. This comes by experimenting sometimes. One key is to think like the student: What would I want to knoew? How would I want someone to explain this to me, etc. Knowing what you have to offer students will be beneficial to both yourself and the students. Regards, Barry

Hi Ivette: Yes, flexibility can be a helpful measure when guaging the dynamics of a different student cohort. I agree there many instructional strategies from which to choose. The key is knowing which ones and when to choose them. It all ties back to the learning objectives. Regards, Barry