Barry Westling

Hi Kelly: I think a good back up plans prepares for the worst, like when nothing is going as planned. It also can provide an alternative way of expressing a lesson. Also, some back up plans can be used by substitute instructors, or when there is not enough time remaining to start a new topic but extending the lesson with supplemental information from the back up plan. Teachers can always add to the content of these plans as well. Regards, Barry

Hi Kelly: Rapid turnaround and student feedback provides instant reinforcement of good work and immediate opportunity to correct less than accurate responses. I think students like to know where they stand. This can also give the teacher personal time by explaining where the student needs correction. Regards,. Barry

Hi Erica: Some institutions have moved away from allowing the use of extra-credit due to some issues that arise. If a student can pass a course without demonstrating an understanding of the primary concepts, that may end up resulting in angry feelings from other students who have worked hard to earn a solid grade. Regards, Barry

Hi Juan: With any style of testing, it might be a good idea to review the material and apply it to a real-life scenario (if you can). Also, one of the advantages of evaluating and then reviewing a test with the group is that it might allow a student to gain a better understanding of the rationale they need to answer similar questions that will occur on future exams. Also, it might trigger new questions about the subject matter that will help to stimulate a better understanding of the concepts overall. Regards, Barry

Hi Cecelia: One of the best ways of being a student-centered instructor is to consistently be flexible in our approach. This may be difficult, especially with technical course work that must be delivered to the student in order for them to move on in a training program. However, if we can always keep in mind the teaching methods that work best for your student group, and having a willingness to make changes in delivery on the fly will promote the outcomes that are in the best interests of our students. Regards, Barry

Hi Cecelia: One thing that may work well with reviewing SLOs on a regular basis is to write out the daily objectives (that correlate with the overall objectives) on the white board each day. Additionally, the instructor might review these daily objectives both at the beginning of the class, and at the end. Regards, Barry

Hi Vanessa: Another great thing about using a teaching journal is that it might help reveal items that need improvement in the lesson prior to the next go ‘round. Also, improvements can be made in both what has worked, and what hasn’t. Regards, Barry

Hi John: The problem with consistent disorganization from an instructor is the potential loss of credibility with the students, and the message it may send, which is “I’m not concerned enough about your learning to be organized for you”. Regards, Barry

Hi Lisa: Some institutions have moved away from allowing the use of extra-credit due to some issues that arise. If a student can pass a course without demonstrating an understanding of the primary concepts, that may end up resulting in angry feelings from other students who have worked hard to earn a solid grade. Regards, Barry

Hi Pamela: By consistently allowing students to have an idea of how they are doing in class, they have the chance to make changes in study habits as soon as possible. By doing this, they promote a more successful outcome for themselves by the end of the course. Regards, Barry