Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Philp, Good Points! The most valuable attribute we possess is the ability to assess where students need help, then be willing to help them by giving our time, and working with them to get them to understand. We might not be able to reach everyone everytime, but our commitment to trying separates the mediocre teacher from the exemplary one. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Brian, Great! This frequent "status report" conveys to students you (the teacher) is on top of things and current with assignments. Whenever we can do an activity that conveys helpfulness to students, that just serves to reieinforce the student/teacher relationship. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Shelly, Yep! I think most teaxchers are hired for their knowledge and perhaps experience in a particular subject. But if not prepared for class every time students meet, that credibility, confidence and trust students have for their teacher can become diminished. But beyond that, we have a commitment to students to be prepared to deliver the best class sessions and organize resources that will help them prepare for the work force after graduation. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Lisa, I think you are smart to base your grading on course obsjectives. In the end, that is how you can best measure the degree of learning. Also, using outside resources can really assist struggling students. To me, it seems the fairest grading system is one the puts the most emphasis on the most important elements of the course. So for instance, if learning how to read and interpret a financial speadsheet is important, somehow, more weight should go to that component. Up front, if students know where the grading emphasis will be, as the teacher we can put the… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Billie, Good deal! The more frequent and personal we can make our discuussions with students, the more they will appreciate we have their interest at heart. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Roxsie, This acitivity falls into a category I call "a change-up". When students are disengaged to the point they are not even paying attention, changing the activity to something different and one that's interesting sort of resets their minds and attention. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Billie, I think small group discussion is a great activity, whether it is plan-A or plan-B. In fact, a good back-up plan should be viewed as just an alternate assignment that could be substituted for the regular planned material and the students wouldn't notice the difference. Also, keeping back-up plans low tech makes them universally available, as the woes (and triumph's) of technology have invaded our lives. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Billie, Wonderful. Your students should appreciate the planning you've done to bring variety that relates to the topic and makes your class vibrant, interesting and enjoyable. Students are likely to learn and retain needed information better in an environment such as you've created. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Talita, Nice sentiments. We are stronger and more confident when we demonstrate our strengths in our delivery in the classroom, while internally embracing areas that are weaker and we know need improvement. By recognizing weaker areas, we're able to challenge ourselves into improvement, not afriad to expose ourselves. In short, being real does help relate to students, and when students observe an authentic version of their teacher, they'll be more likely to respond with their attention, respect, and appreciation of our efforts. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Kisha, One latent benefit is one on one time spent with the student. I give information and advice, but also encourage, listen, and lend support, if applicable. I want to convey "I care about your successfulness". Sharing grade information is a perfect opportunity to strengthen the student/teacher relationship. Barry Westling