Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Sheena: Very true - more fun equals easier learning. Food for thought - balance. Too much of any personality style may prove distracting. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Sheena: Another technique that can help prevent students tuning out is asking questions from day one of class in a random fashion. Something like asking the entire group a question, then picking someone off the roster to discuss their thoughts. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Sheena: In fact many institutions are moving towards electronic gradebooks that allow the student to check their grades anytime they want via internet access. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Robert: I agree that it can be easy to speak off topic. However, like you mentioned, I think as long as it doesn't eat too much into the time scheduled for class, this can be a great way to break up the potential monotony of a lecture. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Andrea: Just to clarify my understanding of what you are describing, is this assignment mandatory? If so, is it fair to actually call it EC? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Jim: To paraphrase what you have described, we can use pretests as both a way to modify our courses to be more efficient, as well as finding out areas of potential weakness in student understanding. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Robert: This sounds like a great way of using a "variety" of techniques. Studies show that doing this helps adult learners learn best due to the fact we all learn in different ways. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Robert: And, they may help identify how the students learn best, something else that can assist us when creating lesson plans. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Robert: Bonus points are one thing. Extra credit that is possibly problematic is the type that allows a student to pass a class when they haven't demonstrated a capacity to do so. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Sheena: I think every instructor has felt the way you describe at some point. What you may have discovered is that it's perfectly okay to pause in the middle of lecture to gather your thoughts. This doesn't come across as disorganized. What does is the "stumbling" you mentioned. Instead, we can pause, think about what we're going to say next, and press on. Regards, Barry