Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Mark: We owe our student coortesy of of our time and attention - and that includes preparation, time, effort, planning, and putting it all together to make it a significant and memorable learning experience. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Donald: It also creates a break in the potential monotony that can come with every topic. With career oriented courses, it gives the student a chance to ask questions to people that are in the field they are studying for. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Donald: I think that no matter what the media used, as long as it engages the student and they have a stronger understanding of the material, we have achieved our primary goal. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Donald: In fact, many institutions do not allow instructors to offer EC due to the fact it may allow a student to slip by in a class when they don't understand key concepts. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Donald: They can also be beneficial to an instructor by showing you how your group learns best. Using pre-tests in this way does take some extra effort on the instructor's part. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Wilfred: Maintaining interest is key for retention of information. I think this is especially true for adult learners. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi Donald: Unfortunately, our examinations often times carry the most weight in point value, which can cause students to cram for the exam without really taking the time to understand the material. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Don: While not always thought of in this manner, pre-tests might help reveal the very mood you are describing, helping the instructor tailor the class in the way you describe. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Al: As I read your entry, I kept thinking about the work "patience". I think all instructors, new and experienced alike need to adopt an attitude of patience. I think this is especially true with repetitive information where the tendency may be for an instructor to feel impatient if a student is understanding something as quickly as "usual", or as compared to other students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Brian: These allow the student to ask questions of people in the field they are going into. Creates an entirely different perspective than what one could gain in a classroom only. Regards, Barry