Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Mark, Yes, I agree. And knowing we all have stronger (and weaker areas), improvement will come, and being open to change will assure that improvement in our weaker areas will come over time (and be diminished). Also, as you say, students appreciate instructors who are sincere, authentic version of themselves. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Velma, This sounds very interesting. I would add that along with the PPT slides, active discussion or facilitation is needed. It goes back to an earlier point that PPT is merely a tool, a tool to enhance the information provided by the instructor in a way that is easier to understand for students, provides clarity, or amplifies what the instrrictor has to say. (In instances where the PPT becomes the center of attention, it has lost some of it's effectiveness - there are better ways for students to get information by reading). So, selecting media requires thought, planning, and time… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Velma, Right, understood. Fair but firm is a good way to practice, in most instances. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Bradley, Yes, you would think so. I have learned that some "hand-holding" can be mutually beneficial. When I keep students posted of their performance regularly, I gain insight on areas they need assistance on, and students recieve this assistance as seeing their teacher care about their successfulness. I can also encourage and support, give advice, and sort of just "be there" to listen to whatever students have to say. This can help build trust and respect between me and my students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Bradley, I have to say that some games can be instructional. If they're more for entertainment, and used just to fill time, I agree it would be better to find another activity. Getting a guest speaker or planning a field trip at the last moment would seem impractical. Back-up plans should be related to the subject and course objectives, easy to implemment, low tech, interesting, and contribute to student learning. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Nancy, Great! Once an activity (such as doing pretests) proves itself useful, most instructors are going to repeat it. Through continued use, improvements can be made, and over time, the activity becomes even stronger as a tool to use. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Nancy, These are all good reasons for pretesting. One way at the end of a class that pretesting may be of value is toi save the pretests done aty the beginning, repeat the same (or similar) test at the end of the course, and have students observe their progress. This can be motivating, especially for students who may need some encouragement or feel they could have performed better. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Chris, Right! Course objectives detail the what, our lesson plans detail the when and how. And this is part of any instructors primary job responsibilities. When these essential requirements are missing, I don't know how any instructor would expect to experience an effective class sesesion. Students notice when the teacher is prepared (and when they are not). I think a degree of trust and respect is probably lost when an instructor comes to class unprepared. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Nancy, Dissection labs and autopsy visits are nearly always among the most memorable experiences students remember when they are in school. This goes to underscore the tremendous benefit these kind of experiences can provide. Oftentimes, a more motivated student emerges following a good experience such as you've described. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Deepika, Right! It's important to discuss performance early on and frequently enough so that there will time to make corrections if needed. Also, students appreciate when they feel their teacher cares about their performance. So, I try to also offer encouragement and support along with advice for improvement. Barry Westling