Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Dr. Richard, You describe a very interactive system which sounds wonderful. Another meaning is the required Student Learning Objectives (SLO's) that are established by the institution and or program that define what outcomes must be completed in order for the student to pass muster. In this meaning, I look at the daily learning objective (DLO's) as "the how" of a topic, and SLO's as "the what" of a topic. What is it that is to be learned (see SLO's). How are we going to reach attaining the SLO's? (see the DLO's). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Dr. Richard, Sometimes a good back up plan can be intitiated just to add some variety or reengage students who've lost focus for wahtever reason. Of course, a great use is when there is extra time to fill and the regular lesson is complete, or when things just don't go as planned - that's when the loe bak-up plan or "Plan-B" can be used to ameliorate the situation. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting evaluation methods

Dr. Richard, I think however we decide on the various methods that exist to assess students, the guiding principle is obviously measuring "to what degree did the student learn (or not learn) the required information". Projects do allow for individuality and perhaps a bit more creativity. In the end, if essential information is not learned and retained by the student, we haven't helped as much as we might have. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Theresa, Good point. I think students appreciate and expect order in their classrooms. They have enough chaos in their lives without our contribution to it at school. When organized, students see time and effort has occured and the teacher is ready and serious about the class. The students will be likely to follow in kind. Also, this avoids having to have a lot of rules - the prepared, organized class proceeds and students will naturally learn to be on time, participate, and perform well because that is the expectation. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Abigail, As a long time medical professional myself I can appreciate the value and abundance of procedure or topic-specific video or DVD, especially as compared to what preceded that mediium - the film (that required a projector and limited availability of titles). The drawback I've experienced with video's is availability of a working TV with VCR attached, missing remote, and either DVD or video is static in that they require no real engagement other than viewing. With DVD or video, I've stopped or paused the presentation and discussed a portion of it, then resumed. I once had a B/P… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Abigail, Well, don't feel too bad. Some schools forbid (and prevent) viewing You Tube videos at school! The thing with You Tube also is controlling the content - sort of a version of video WiKipedia (reliance as to accuracy can sometimes be problematic. That said, there are certainly an abundance of resources potentially out there that could enhance the learning process. Perhaps you could arrange for a sharing protocol with other teachers or classes? Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Marcia, Your teaching setting is flourishing with opportunities to explore the use of senses. Comparing and contrasting, application related situations, recall and analysis seem to be abundant and useful to getting your students to think critically. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Lori, I've tried all sorts of techniques involving EC. For me, it just hasn't worked out. And students don't even appreciate it that much. So, I finally decided it's best (for me) to set the grading criteria at the outset, work as hard as I can to get all students up to speed, and let the grades fall where they may. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Alissa, Yes. When students know their status, they can choose to respond to the information - at least they are being given the chance to respond. I think if we aslo encourage and offer support, the student may realize we care, and choose to try to improve their performance. Also, I think giving updates frequently is a great way to optimize the student learning opportunities. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Amber, Things like a bonus question on an exam, dropping the lowest quiz score are differnt than giving additional assignments beyond what is asked for and expecting credit for missed assignments or poor performance. My opinion. Barry Westling