Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi William: I believe assessing students all along the way, even mutiple times within a single lesson, gives me on running evaluation of where the students are. If they got, I move on. If they more, I give it. It's really as simple as that. Of course, I must comply with institutional grading instruments and policies, but my point has to do with when and how to assess. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Jesse: Your description is very telling. It suggests the proinciple of relating to students's individual learning needs is valid. Great! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi William: I think being willing to change is more than half of the process. Areas of improvement can always be a work in progress. For me, I've learned to seek excellence, not perfection (a hard lesson for me). Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi James: I've always kept lecture notes on yeallow pads, so I would insert a white card or sheet with personal notes to look at later on. As time went on, I began to journalize, and have modified the format over the years. That's the nice thing about journals, there's no right or wrong way to go about it. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi William: Good summary! Many schools use electronic grading and I think technology may have an unwanted effect of becoming too impersonal. Meeting face to face, early on and regulary affords a teacher time to share performance status while there's still time to improve. We can also offer kindness and sincerity in showing we care about their success. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi James: Using a journal really varies by individual, preference, time available, and personal choice. And the style is highly variable. Many find a journal helpful, if only to reflect on prior times thinking or perspective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Cynthia: I agree - real world or work-related field settings can very inspirating and convey to students a hope for something better in their lives. This can lead to better performance in class, too. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Cynthia: Very good - mixing up activities with a variety of learning exercises helps keep students interest and attention. And keeping them active will help retention, focus, and engaged in the course material. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Cynthia: When I've given pretests, I makje them non-graded so the student is under no pressure to stress out over taking a test and more likely to focus on the material. Sometimes, I'll conduct the same test after the material has been covered, as an encouragement to show how far they've come. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Cynthia: Yeah, when we're positive, student's like that and are more likely to respond to what we have say in a favorable manner - even if it's less than wonderful news. Honesty and sincerity show we care. Regards, Barry