Barry Westling

Hi Tonia: 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 Tonia: 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 Tonia: One of the benefits of using pretests is they may help reveal what kind of learning style your student uses. Knowing this may help you create more effective lesson plans. Regards, Barry

Hi Tonia: 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 Florence: 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 Florence: 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

Hi Laureen: One technique that may also work well is to have the instructor walk around while lecturing, bringing a closer physical proximity to the student. This is not always a practical solution, and may not work for certain course work. Regards, Barry

Hi Anthony: 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 Anthony: 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 Anthony: One technique that may also work well is to have the instructor walk around while lecturing, bringing a closer physical proximity to the student. This is not always a practical solution, and may not work for certain course work. Regards, Barry