Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Stephen, I don't grade the pretests as they are really for me. This takes away any angst the students might have about giving the test their best effort. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Stephen, Great. This is a good example of the benefits of doing pretesting. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Stephen, Right! I liken it to seasoning in a meal: a little sprinkle goes a long way to adding flavor, whereas just a bit too much can spoil the whole meal. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Stephen, Getting student actively involved in their own learning is a winning idea on several fronts, with the results leading to better student retention and learning outcomes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Stephen, Great point about the importance how students perceive their instructor. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting evaluation methods

Teresa, Practice is wonderful. I think the more practice we can build into the curriculum, the better we will be preparing our graduates for their chosen career or work setting. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Teresa, Yes, areas of improvemnt, and advice on how to make improvements, and giving enough time for improvements to occur are all part of the information sharing piece. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Clare, I feel if material is important, it should be covered and the appropraite points awarded for it. Otherwise you may have students not learning some needed information, but making up for it with extra credit that may or may not be useful in meeting the course goals. I understand, though that each instructor and institution has to decide what works best for them. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Jeffery, Preparation and organization does convey competence. It also streamlines the daily workload, as all resources, materials and learning tools are ready and waiting to be implemented. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Clare, Great point of view. I've used more advanced students as "assistants" to me to facilitate dicussion or exercises in a group comprised of less academically sound students. This makes my assistant's feel appreciated, and the weaker students like having a peer assisting them, and working towards improving their understanding of more difficult course material. Barry Westling