Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

ANTOINETTE, At a minimimum, we need to give feedback for students to know accurately where the're at in a course. By sharing advice and suggestions, we can shed light on ways improvements can be made. Without a roadmap, how will the student know if they're headed in the right direction? Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

ANTOINETTE, I like workbook assignments too. They can help make productive use of extra time and also help reinforce key concepts. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

ANTOINETTE, Yep! On a smaller scale, meeting the course objectives is one goal. More broadly, preparing the student for their work (and personal life)often accompanies the primary goal. I aslo think we can provide hope...hope for a better future and life for themselves and their families. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Diana, Right! Plus, an instructor provides a better teaching environment when they feel and know they have made all of the needed preparations for instructing their class. Smoother, better flow, more confident, and puts students at ease. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Jaime, I agree it should not be called extra credit if there are points (10% of the grade) already allocated for participation. Otherwise, a student could chhoose not to have any class participation and loose 10% of their grade, but then ask for EC to make up for the lost points. I never award students (with points) for substituting required, expected work for EC work. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Jaime, I think the good thing about the way I do pretesting is the students are not graded, and knowing that beforehand makes for much less anxiety. The main benefit is learning where the class as a whole is performing so that I can make adjustments in where I want my emphasis to be. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

ANTOINETTE, Yep. We want our students to feel good about their career choice and the school resources, instructor and setting where they receive their education. Our competence along with readiness to teach every day to the fullest helps assure the students will have their best educational experience. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Mike, I agree sometimes students are unhappy about something, and the classroom can be an outlet for their frustration, if we let them. I try to curb those behaviors as soon as they are observed by talking with the student in private, laying out my expectations, and coming to an agreement about what is and is not appropriate behavior. If the student is willing, I'll also listen to their personal difficulties, but only if they're comfortable sharing. If they are, I my offer suggestions, and in some cases, just having someone to talk to can make the difference between frustration… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Stefanie, This is a great example of the benefits of field trips. Students get motivated, observe something diiferent from the classroom, and sometimes are even inspired to "settle down' with their studies as the results of being exposeed to something related to the work they will end of doing when they graduate. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Chris, This is good. think being authenic and genuine works the best, as each instructor has their own, unique personality. Common to all would be patience, caring, approachable, good sense of humor, and willingness to listen. These traits, along with competent instruction will help ensure the best course and student outcomes. Barry Westling