Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Dennis, Good start. It's what you do after that that's most important. Everyone has excuses. We need to identify the reason, then work from that point to assist them to be brought up to speed. Students have to accept responsibility for their learning, just as we are accountable for teaching them. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Juan, "A good idea not remembered is but a vapor of hope" (Barry Westling). What I mean is if we are unable to recall needed information we will be undermining the fulness to which our instructional abilities are capable. So, your journal can capture those pearls of wisdom that come (but don't go, becuase they're recorded in your journal. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Juan, Many students are serious about their learning, however, some are not. I just feel I'm paid to faciliate the class the best I can while understanding there may be some that are less than successful. Yet, I am comfortable knowing I have tried my best. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Juan, Great! Our willingness to help, and the students willingness to come to us makes for a great learning senvironment. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Candace, I think your point that being organized not only creates more instructiional time, but also creates a better learning environment because resources, materials, and the daily game plan is mapped out. This helps the students to achieve and excell. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Andrew, The way you use this is great. I would call it more of bonus system, rather than extra credit. While some would argue that is just semantics, I would disagree. EC is giving points beyond what is required to make up for missed work that is required, while a bonus question system gives recognition for knowledge gained and is an opportunity for the students to show it! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Andrew, Great. I don't use pretesting all the time, but like you, when I do, I try to determine where my emphasis in a class will be centered. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Andrew, These are great examples of media resources that supplement the lecture (PPT) portions of a class. Using a variety of resources such as you have described add interest and enjoyment to the learning environment. The more, the better! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Juan, Sounds like you're getting good use out of journalizing experiences! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Juan, Good point about favoritism. To avoid that, I attempt to treat all as if they are my prime focus. If the student see me as buddy, I will be that to them, but not in an inappropriate way, and not more so than any other student. By serving as facilitator, I am one of the participants, particularly when students are presenting, leading discussions, leading the class, etc. Barry Westling