Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Warren: Perhaps a field trip might be a "job shadow" the student is to do prior to applying for entrance into the program? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Shantana: I agree, the instructor is more likely to be calm when they are prepared. And this will help set a "safe" feeling with the students promoting an ability for them to ask questions as they arise rather than holding back for fear of interrupting the instructor. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Perry: Students can definitely see if the instructor is unprepared for class. From personal experience, I notice that students tend to tune out when this happens. What a terrible thing if this became the norm - if so, the student might miss osmething really important the next time through. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Shantana: Indeed, in fact pedagogy studies reveal that a multi-layered approach is considered the best way to introduce new material to students, especially adult learners. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Warren: These are great points. Something else to consider might be to maintain consistent organization when teaching. To do otherwise promotes a loss of credibility in the instructor. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Warren: Exactly - it's very easy for an instructor to lose sight of this point. The student is the focus. That said, it behooves us to do everything we can to enhance their success, including making statements in a one on one sense to this effect from time to time. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Rebekah: Is the EC enough of an impact that it would allow a student to just barely pass your course? If so, I can see how that might result in some hard feelings from other students that are working for a top grade. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Katheryn: Many institutions are moving to electrionic gradebooks that allow a student to access their grade every day for the very reason you describe. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Samuel: True! And something to be said about this is an instructor can make improvements to both sections. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Samuel: lPre-tests might be a great way to gauge hwo much time the instructor will need to spend on a certain area. It can also show you how your students learn best. Regards, Barry