Barry Westling

Hi Kathryn: 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 Wayne: Field trips and guest speakers are a great way to renew interest in the material you’ve been discussing in class. It gives the student’s a chance to speak with people (possibly in the field they are training for), and gain a different and new perspective about the topics at hand. Also, they might get the chance to ask some questions about the topics you’ve discussed and get a better understanding overall. Regards, Barry

Hi Arlene: One idea when selecting course material and media is to try employ as many teaching styles as we can in order to address as many learning styles as possible. Selecting material and presenting it in a visual, audio, and kinesthetic way is generally considered the most efficient method of delivery. Regards, Barry

Hi Christy: Using color, or the student’s senses during lesson plans is another great way of employing as many teaching methods as we can in hopes of addressing as many learning styles as we can. We understand that most students learn by a combination of these styles. If we can use teaching methods that address these styles, we increase the chance of a student understanding and retaining the material. Regards, Barry

Hi Kimberly: One thing to keep in mind is the idea of BALANCE when discussing or thinking about personality in the classroom. If there is too much of any personality style, be it too humorous, or too strict, etc., this may serve only to distract the student from a full understanding of the course material. Regards, Barry

Hi Stephanie: 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

Hi Richard: 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 Wade: To find out what kind of instructor you are, one might consider keeping a teaching journal. One thing a journal can help to reveal is what kind of person you are when you write down how you feel things went in class. 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 Christopher: Using color, or the student’s senses during lesson plans is another great way of employing as many teaching methods as we can in hopes of addressing as many learning styles as we can. We understand that most students learn by a combination of these styles. If we can use teaching methods that address these styles, we increase the chance of a student understanding and retaining the material. Regards, Barry

Hi Ryan: One thing we can say about the overall goal of education is to help our students become more effective decision makers - in school, in their careers, and in life. Regards, Barry