Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Michele, Interesting point. think there needs to be a basic foundation of learning, along with a desire for lifelong or continuous learning. With that, we';ll have helped for both the present and future needs of our student graduates. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Greg, I agree, and I think experience both in the subject area and with dealing with students (diversity makes us stronger) can effectively convey the degree of competence an instructor demonstrates to their students. Students are people afterall, and being able to relate to all personalities types is necessary to approach instruction with optimism and enthusiasm. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Michele, Good point. We want to relate and interact with our students in the most positive manner. Gradually and consistently working away at areas identified as weaker will ultimately become among the stronger traits if we recognize the value of self improvement. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Clay, Yes, it's important to remember the instructor is the expert, and the textbooks and related resources are merely supllements to assist students in their learning. The instructor is a facilitator of learning, using their own experience and knowledge, alomng with other materials that can create an effective learning system. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Samuel, Great! I try to meet each student as they enter the class, with materials and resources already laid out so I can answer questions, or create a positive climate by just chatting informally. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Jason, Classes have to be specific and relative, especially for adult learners. Prepardeness is a necessity for effective instruction and learning to occur. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Clay, Hands on is great (when applicable) as students can integrate the cognitive with the kinesthetic learning modes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting evaluation methods

Abel, Good psychology.ry to not use "test" or "quiz" but rather "assdessment, self-assessment or checking for5 understanding". Treue, students may see this as semantics, but I think it reinforces why we assess (to measure learning) more than grading assignments or performance. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

John, This is good. And students like to know their status, good or less than wonderful. I use the time to also encourage and praise the work that is good (along with what may need improvement). We do want there to be time to make corrections and have that be reflected in their overall grade status. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Tiffany, Personally, I don't allow EC because it usually has little to do with real learning and mostly to do with points and grades. I work in a medical profession. I cannot tolerate some "A" student who cannot perform procedures correctly or has an incomplete or inacurate understanding of their job duties. Perhaps in some settings EC has a place, but not in my classes. Barry Westling