Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Mike: Using real-world examples is a great way to bring fresh enthusiasm into a class environment. It may also promote new questions and be a bridge to discussion. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Isaac: There are many ways to do this. Some institutions have gone to an electronic gradebook. Or, some instructors make sure to give quick feedback to give the student a chance to think about their answers. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Craig: Student sare intelligent - they will notice immediately if someone is unprepared. This may result in a negative long-term impact to the teaching relationship. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Craig: In fact, because EC might allow a student to pass a course when they really shouldn't, many institutions are moving away from allowing it at all. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Gwen: It sounds like you use a lot of different techniques, a great idea for addressing as many learning styles as we can. One idea to consider: why not use back-up activities no matter what, just as a way to break up the atmosphere? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Lamarr: In that case, always have a back-up plan ready to go. An easy back-up plan is to divide the students into groups and have them discuss some aspect of the class, then present their findings. This is a great way to promote discussion. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Denise: I'm with you. It seems to me EC is more of a grading tools, while we should most interesting in learning tools, strategies, activites, etc. Giving points only contributes to a grade. In your profess, if a student uses EC to pass a class but has missed or does not understand critical information, that could be disastrous, harful, or even deadly! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Lamarr: No matter what we do in our classes, it's important to use a variety of media sources, activites, assignments, etc. to address as many learning styles as we can. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Jim: The main theme of the instructor's personality ties into what kind of learning atmosphere it promotes. I think most would agree, we want our students to feel like they can ask questions, and will be "safe" when doing so. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Andrea: I like how you stated an organized instructor is more prepared to answer questions. In a similar way, being organized allows us to anticipate any question, usually becuase we've heard it one way or another before from a different student. Regards, Barry