Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Andrea, Pretty good stuff, and effective for the setting you're using then in. I think the more variety, change ups, and alternative methods we implement, we will capture student attention, focus, and keep them engaged. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Marie, These are great reasons that justify the relative little time spent on an activity that can potentially offer many benefits, most farther down the road, more than immediate results. In the moment it seems we would remeber, but as days pass, our ability to recall begins to fade. So prompt notations work better than postponing or procrastinating. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Irma, Great. Any tool that helps prepare for better classes, improved instruction, and overall student learning outcomes is wortyhwhile. Jouirnalizing takes so little time but is so beneficial when reflecting weeks, month or years later. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Marie, I think the better instructors, the ones the students like and trust and respect, are the ones who are patient to listen to student woes, offer realistic suggestions, make time to hear students (or tutor, or remediate, or stay after and chat, etc.), and always offer optimism, hope and encouragement in their conversations with students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Marie, Right. And when we know where the emphasis needs to be, we can be more effective in getting our point across while not using valuable time on other matters. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Richard, Right. While it's true there is more than one way to skin a cat, some methods work better than others. Whenever we personalize, we prioritize learning. And as you say, that's what it's all about. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Marie, I agree, students like stories, and it's a longtime (effective) approach to sharing vital information. I think before there was formal learning, our ancestors probably taught through story telling. Anyway, students enjoy them especially when they are interesting, related to the current topic, and students can apply the information to a practical application. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Andrea, Right. It really stands out poorly when an instructor appears for class unprepared. Rarel can classes run smoothly or the instructor be as effective than if they had put in the necessary time to prepare. Students expect it, and besides, it's our job. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Marie, Great. Any individualized activity or strategy will reach students more effectively than mere "blanket" curriculum, 1-size fits all approach. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Kelly, Yes, what matters most is assessment of learning. Varied methods to achieve that goal, however different or individualized are effective tools for the instructor to use. Barry Westling