Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Elizabeth: You are so correct - setting a conducive tone is key to helping student's feel safe in the learning environment. How else are they to feel comfortable with asking questions if they don't feel safe? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Debra: A lot of institutions are moving away from using EC due to the fact it might allow a student to slip by and pass a course when they really have not demonstrated they deserve to. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi Branetta: If I might add something to your statement, I would say the students' understanding is the way we would measure if SLOs are being achieved. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Frances: If the instructor can engage the students, then probably ANY presentation media will work. Each one has advantages - white board and overheads are great for visual learners. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Hi Simone: One thing that may help is setting up a rubric in your class syllabus and giving it out to the students the first day of class so the expectations are clear and recognizable from day one. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi SHerri: True. And, we need to keep in mind the idea of balance. Too much humor, or too much drole may result in a distraction to the student. Ultimately, it is the outcomes that determine this (how well they understand the concepts). Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Sherri: Indeed, retention is a serious concern for instructors, and doing ANYTHING to improve it is beneficial to the organization. Pretest can be a great way to let the student now what they may need to do during the class to supplement their understanding for greater success and outcomes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi SHerri: Very true - and it may be helpful to the instructor to state how quickly the students should expect this, perhaps in a rubric or class syllabus given out the first day of class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Mak: In general, a teaching journal will allow you to track what may have worked and what did not in EACH class you teach. It's as simple as refelcting on this after each session and writing down your thoug Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Cynthia: Unless your institution has pretty rigorous guidelines on this matter, I think most places give instructors a lot of latitude to teach the course in the manner they see fit, so long as the outcomes are bing achieved. Regards, Barry