Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Jeff: Good process. Students appreciate being in the know, and what they can do to improve their grades. I think each opportunity to talk with students also gives us an opportunity to lend support and/ or encourage. It costs nothing but can pay back large! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Billie: Students really like field trips. They inspire, and it breaks the routine of day to day classes and brings to light the wonders the profession has to offer. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Hi Billie: Grading sytems also should put the most weight of components on those areas that will best measure the learning. That doesn't mean there can't be an abundance of lower point value activities. But the bulk of the grade should be derived from what's most important. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Michael: Good! Too, I think it helps the teacher plan for current and future classes. When the teacher knows what level the students are at, that makes for a better understanding where emphasis in the class or the topic should be focused. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Michael: Sure - it could even be broken down this way by hour. But the overarching goal, for me is to provide skills and knowledge that prepare for job readiness. Demonstrations are most definitely a good activity as most students will do betyter when they see "the expert" and the the final action is supposed to look like. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Billie: The selection process of instructional media is nearly directly related to the course objectives. A varied assortment of choices should be selected for maximum student learning. Reagrds, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Hi Billie: For me, sufficient content means having a variety of resources that include the basic materials, supplies and equipment to meet the course objectives and student learning outcomes. Having more than needed will allow some variation in the lesson if needed. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi William: The Socratic method (asking questions) really lends itself to clinical settings. In a way, every question is sort of a pretest. Basically, if a pretest was used, it might be related to skill testing beforehand, then practicing, and finally testing a given skill, or perhaps a proficiency of some sort. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Chris: Great! You know, the contrast between fumbling around, unsure of what's next, wasting students time, versus an enthusiastic, informed, prepared and organized teacher just plainly sets the tone for both improved instruction and a reflection professionalism. We can be a role in this regard. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Kay: True! Students who know where they stand are often driven to even better. The same is true for marginal students - when they understand they may fail if performce remains at the same level, that can be quite motivating to do better to avoid failing a class. Regards, Barry