Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi James, If our job is to educate, we need to measure the degree to which a student did or did not learn. For me, that's the most compelling reason for evaluation. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Thomas, When students get frequent updates on their performance, they are bound to benefit from this discussion. When coupled with encouagement and advice, and a sense that the teacher cares, that will only add to the desire to try to perm better. I think it's best early on too. so there is enough time for correction to have an impact. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi James, There are ways to give bonus points, drop the lowest quiz score, etc. These are not extra credit, as it pertains exactly to the course material. For EC is giving additional points to help inflate a lower grade, usually the result of poor performance or missing/late/incomplete assignments. Long ago, I chose to just not give it. Now, I see many teachers and institutions have adopted policies that do not EC. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Thomas, This discussion post pertains to planning tools, specifically pretesting as a planning tool. I think you've correctly stated how planning a lesson is inhanced with pretesting. It's really a time management effectiveness attribute that if used correctly can maximise the student learning experience in the scarce time we have to educate our students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Sherry, Personalties really do vary don't they. I think if we try to emulate someone else or act a certain way, we risk being viewed as disingenuous. Given our individual uniquenesses, I think if we are honest, sincere, apprachable, caring, and provide classes that are upbeat and with enthusiasm, just about any personality type is at least going to be met with appreciation by students that their teacher is interested in their success. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Thomas, It's said a good education can never being taken away from someone, and provide a career that spans many years. It's also said "the life we've had doesn't have to be the life we have". Therefore we are challenged to provide knowledge that pertains to job, but whenever possible, life skills that will last a lifetime. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Sherry, Showing care and concern can be direct and indirect. I think one of the indirect methods is what you describe, that of being prepared and giving thought to how I can best serve my students in this particular class. Students do appreciate effort when they see it. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Thomas , You're right about confidence. The feeling when beginning a class knowing I have all the copies, handouts, and related resources, and solid game plan for the day just makes the class go better because of the upbeat, enthusiasm I feel by my readiness. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Glenn, I agree a student should not fail a class when they're normally completing assignments on time, and doing well in class when a legitimate reason for an absence occurs. I would still hold to no EC, but I might allow waiving of policy of accepting assignments after the due date with a downgrade (as long as it would cause a failure. The student might have to accept a minimal pass, but I believe keeping school policies similar to work policies are a good training. Sometimes at work, performance leads to minimal merit raises. That's just how it goes… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting evaluation methods

Hi Mahnaz, I think all evaluation tools need to be tied back to the daily subject topics and student learning objectives. If we are teaching something that is linked to these, the primary focus of the course and the degree to which the student did (or did not) learn can be evaluated. Barry Westling