Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Michael, Yes, senses are helpful, as are stronger students helping the weaker ones. Smell is interesting. A scent can instantly bring a memory (pleasant or otherwise) to mind. That's powerful. Perhaps associating pleasant scents with selected curriculum could be helpful in some classes or some topics. But I know the more senses we can involve in course work, our students will benefit from. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Debbie, I can't answer as to examples. But I can make suggestions. How about one section that has a number of statements that the student has to ponder and decide if the stement is generally true or generally false. Another might be along the lines of "which of the following are effective when preparing a speech?". There could sections on delivery "must do's" and delivery "never do's". Choose which is which. When preparing pretests, I use the course objectives. If students are supposed to be able to do 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, then I would consider preassessing… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Debbie, Perfect. Continuously working on new or different delivery strategies can only result in finding more interesting or better ways to reach our students. Even after several years, we can always improve, as the class dynamics are in constant flux. And I think those willing to make adjustments and small modifications end up with better classroom participation, engagement, and attentiveness by their students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Traneika, This sounds great. I like journaling. I find I'd like to stop and make a notation at times, and sometimes I'm able to do that, but most times I have to make a notation at a break or immediately after class. For me, if I don't do it soon after, I'll forget. Nonethetheless, it's a wonderful tool and activity for instructors. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

David, Of course, if we are teaching, students should be learning, And evalution is the process for determining that. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Kelsey, Like a journey, students need to know how close to their destination they are. Frequent and early on discussions, or at least providing a way for students to check their own status makes for better study and work to improve grades. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Kelsey, Great. Your system sounds good, as it assists you in achieving your learning goals. Instructors who pretest find the extra time to do it helps them save time in subsequent lessons. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

David, For me, I can relate to and remember similar situations. I found that being honest, genuine and sincere goes along ways towards minimizing the "me vs. them" environment. Being a natural version of ourselves helps keep students relaxed and more willing to go with the flow of the class. Also, I always try to keep information, stories, and lessons tie into the work setting. Nearly everyone "is interested in what's in it for me". So I try to share information in a way students can see themselves inserted into the situation. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

David, Entitlement is ubiqutous these days, in every setting - public and private. Students have many unrealistic expectations they display, born out of who knows what. I'm only concerned wiuth their learning, not their entitlement (or other immature sentiments). Therefore, I'm willing to prioritize student learning even if it means customizing my lessons to accomodate students. But it's a shared responsibility, and if a student is not going to meet me at least halfway, then I'm not interested giving my assistance. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Kelsey, Good. For me, I have goals I want my students to achieve. Besides the knowledge and practical skill, I also want them to be able to think independently, and act professionally in the work setting. Our classes can provide a laboratory for training professional workers in the soft skills that will get them jobs, and help them keep them. Barry Westling