Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Zachary, For me, extra assignments that improve learning are terrific. I don't give credit, as in extra credit, or extra points for these assignments. It's the learning I'm after, and just handing out points for little effort that contributes little to the students learning really does little to demonstrate learning. I am not in favor rewarding students for not doing assigned work. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Zachary, The good thing about discussions is it involves and engages students, gets them thinking, and if planned well reinforces some portion of the content pertinent to the current lesson. Students usually become a bit more interested in discussions and with improved interest, improved learning outcomes are likely. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Tena, That about covers everything. We want our students to have successful careers and satisfying jobs. We can train, and we can inspire. Both assist achieving that goal. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Zachary, All roads ultimately lead to work, and when I can prepare students for a successful job or career opportunity, that'll have contributed much towards meeting the students personal and academic goals. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Zachary, For me, I've come to realize that being genuine, honest, and sincere are good ways to base my foundation. I try to be approachable, exhibit a sense of humor, and do all I can to convey to my students I'm there to help them. I'm sure my weaker areas appear at times, and I think students are willing overlook imperfections if they sense their instructor is real in dealing with them. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Tena, Yes, motivational and inspirational are good adjectives to describe guest speaker and field trip outcomes. I think sometimes, for some students, they have only a vague idea what their career or work setting involves, and both these learning activities provide greater insight into what these employment settings offer. And the ability to ask questions from "a different resource" usually is beneficial. For me, it seems students are willing to ask a different type of question from these outside information providers. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Susan, I like that idea of attaching the printout of scores with their homework. Accountability, with self responsiveness and intitiative to make improvement. Really, a simple technique but effective. I agree, these would seem to work well together. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Susan, Great example. Many non-medical people probably can't appreciate the idea of muscle memory, such a subtle trait, but so important. It's really amazing how sensitive we can teach our senses to be, really just developing more of an awareness. Good instructors will involve as many senses into their lessons as possible. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Kristin, Yeah, we've all seen (or been) the frazzled, harried instructor rushing at the last minute to make copies, get materials ready, and generally in a bad mood due the busy-ness, all at the last minute. Of course, no time for student questions, in fact students likely to be reluctant to ask a question because they see "it'd be a bother". Readiness, preparation, and effort to meet and greet students and conduct classes smoothly, effortlessly transitioning from topic to topic creates a much better learning invironment, with students feeling relaxed, non-stressed, and ready to get all we have for them.… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Judy, Good idea. I think most rely on touch in combination with sight, and related senses such as temperature, texture, etc. I have done demonstrations with students blindfolded in order to explore the sense of touch (and other senses), with the pupose of conveying how much information we can gather if we are aware of, and focus on our special and general senses. Barry Westling