Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Andrea, Good comments about student accountability. We can assist the process by keeping them informed, but they are ultimately responsible to do the work and keep on top of their performance and status. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Joel, Holding students accountable is good. We can assist, but little kids, there is something about a shared responsibility for keeping track of their performance. Anything written, signed by the stuident, is always a good idea. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Spring, Yes, trust, and respect. If we convey care, concern, and offer encouragement that assists better performance, students become aligned with the instructional plan, and better student outcomes is the likely result. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Heather, Yep! And all communication an instructor can provide conveys care, concern, and a willingness to assist. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Joel, Great! This is why pretests work. I will sometimes use the same pretest at the end of a course to demonstrate how far they have come, and also as an encouragement of sorts. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Deborah, Perfect rationale for the use of a pretest. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Andrea, These busy activities can help. Sometimes, it takes a bit more to capture their focus. One thing is to keep topics founded in the "what's in it for me" realm. Students will nearly always perk up when they see there is benefit to them. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Heather, These are good plans if they are available at the time they're needed. Often, a good back up plan needs to be used when normally available resources are not available, and therefore, the need for a good back up. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Joel, Having fun within the invironment of learning sets the tone for more effective instruction, as humor and laughter can help diffuse the stringent rules and gudelines that so many schools enforce (rightly so). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Deborah, Right. When we are being genuine and honest with students, they will see a caring individual there to assist them achieve their hopes for a better future. Barry Westling