Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Patricia, Every experience related to the profession being trained for can invigorate a stale perspective, and even lead to inspired, motivated students. I'll take that anytime! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Lynne, Selecting media is so important. As experts in our field, some things may seem obivious, and choosing something that perspective can sometimes leave students a little bit in the dark. Thinking about how the students will receive (or capable of receiving) our media choices is one way to help in the selection process. Of course, anything that stimulates their interest, is enjoyable, or keeps them busy doing something (kinesthetic) usually results in better retention of needed information. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Patricia, Wonderful. Even as facilitator I am always impressed with the creative and variety of useful techniques teachers have developed or experienced. So, we all benefit as we actively participate. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Lynn, I'm with you. As someone in the medical field, you and I understand that in much of what we teach, there cannot be marginal performance or make-up "extra credit" assignments in order to get a higher (or passing) grade. No one would want to have someone perfom a delicate medical procedure on them if they were not proficient. I think those advocate for EC are in the libearl arts, where perhaps there is more tolerance for it. But I don't think there much of a place for it in the medical sciences. Each school and teacher has to decide… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Lynn, Great! I think that's the main reasons most teachers use pretesting. Fine tuning a class to meet the needs of those particular students is not an easy task, but pretesting can aid the teacher by making more rational choices regarding emphasis better than some other more subjective decisions. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Nancy, This "change-up" activity (lecture to lab) is great and using breaks that funk that sometimes just creeps into some classes. Physical movement and using multiple sense helps retention of information and attention and focus of the students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Maurice, As far as selecting curse content, I feel we are safe if we stick close to the objectives, keep things as simple as possible, and try to look at our presentations from the students perspective. This will tend to make sessions more enjoyable, interesting, and of course, educational. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Nancy, Every instructor is going to use what they think will work for them and their students. These ones you've listed are terrific and reflect the flavor you bring to your classroom and students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Maurice, That's a great thought! I think if we can prepare the students with the skills, knowledge and attitude that's needed for their career area they're being trained for, we'll have laid the foundation for future growth and success when the enter the workforce. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Maurice, I think we all work from where we are in our current thinking and sense of "best practice". We want to stay open to new ideas and the opportunity to improve. By doing so, we continuously grow and therefore become better teachers. Barry Westling