Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Juan, Understood. Maybee my legal analogy was a poor example, because I think we are syaing the same thing. I believe in expectations. Once clear expectations are given (the path), then facilitating the course to get all students to complete successfully is the goal. Evaluations therefore, are a measure of how that process is occuring. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Patricia, Great! Understanding takes a willingness and patience - both are attributes all teachers potentially possess but unfortunately not all practice it consistently. But for those that do, their students receive the fruits and benifits you describe. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Juan, Terrific! Your students probably feel they have a good relationship with you and can come to you when they have questions or needs. That's the product when students feel they're teacher cares about their success. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Patricia, Great! Keeping students informed not only helps them track their progress, but can give us an opportunity to offer support and encouragement as well as advice for improvement, as needed. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Juan, I see your point. My perspective comes from the medical profession I'm in, and mostly, there can't be sustitution for required work, or marginal performance, as the health of others could be at stake. So, each teacher and institution has to decide what works best for them. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Patricia, That's a good platform to try to stick to. Some students want easy (unearned) points to help their grade. The thing is, that usually has little to do with learning. Stick to your guns! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Thomas, I think if any adjustments to a grade are made, this is the most fair and equitable way to do it. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Mary, Using a variety of media that is related to the subject matter just has to make learning more interesting and perhaps improve understanding better than effective, but uninteresting techniques. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Jarred, The combination of diuscussion, with prepared PPT slides, and the active use of the white board is a tried and true tenet for teaching. Getting students up to that white board to particiapte, elaborate, explain or convey ideas strengthens their learning as well. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Thomas, It's true, a variety of personalities awaits the new worker in most any profession. Being ourselves, sincere, helpful and approachable, and caring about student success are traits all teachers can demomstrate. Their individual personalities is what makes the classes interesting. Barry Westling