Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Aldorey, Giving the knowledge and skills to provide a more meaningful life and hope for a better future can only help students, regardless to whatever degree students actually achieve these lofty goals. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Aldorey, Great sentiments. If all of these goals could be achieved for all our students, we truely will have done a great deed in this life. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Aldorey, I once saved all my notes, cards, and letters I wrote or received from my girlfriend. After three years, looking back at thiese notes, I learned a lot about myself, my maturity and growth, and how I changed over that period. I think the same thing happens with a teaching journal, and the observation and notations about classroom activity. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Paul, Many institutions are beginning to lean this way, I think in part due to pressure from payers of education in career schools (i.e., the Feds) to produce real results in the form of prepared workers that get real jobs. In the real world, there is no EC, and employees are held accountable for their work duties. So boosting grades to look good may have worked in ythe past, but less and and less anymore. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Joan, This is good. Sometimes, it's worthwhile to address the need at the moment it occurs. Circulating around the room, asking specific students questions, or changing to pair share, small group discussion, or doing board work (student coming to white board for some exercise) are among the simple, easy to implement measures that can break the diengagement and reestablish focus. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Wesley, Yes,and also just knowing what the points and grade is on a regular basis is a good way to provide reliable communication. Sharing ideas, offering suggestions and advice, and providing encouragement are easily conveyed when chatting about grades too. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Brian, I believe students respond favorably to sincerity and authenticity. This helps build trust and respect. There can be all sorts of different personalities, and when we are genuine with our affect and delivery, it comes across as believable and meaningful. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Elizabeth, Right. I see two main users, those "go-getters", and the "likely to fail group". For me, in both cases but for different reasons, I have chosen not to offer extra credit. I'll give bonus points on an exam, and drop the lowest quiz score (because I give a lot of 10-point quizzes). I feel these are enough to compensate for fairly and accurately reported grades and true degree of material learned. EC distorts gardes, is subjective, is more about points and grades than learning. I have had few good experiences with EC, so I just don't give it (and… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Wesley, Yes, doing an activity such as board exercises is a good break fromn lecture. ometimes I'll have students come to the board to work problems. Of course not every class or lesson affords this opportunity, but with a little thoght, there is nearly always several alternative activities related to the topic that can be done. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Wesley, I feel strongly this is our goal. Many ways to go about it, but at the core, to me, that is our goal. Barry Westling