Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Rene: 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

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Rene: 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 â€œIâ€™m not concerned enough about your learning to be organized for youâ€. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Rene: 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. Regard, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Rene: 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

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi Winnifred: The advantage 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

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi DaNae: 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. Regard, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi DaNae: The nice thing about back-up plans is that they can be used - no matter what, as a means of changing up the energy of the class time. This can be a good way of helping to keep our learning environments as robust as possible. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi DaNae: 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

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Seema: 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. Regard, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Kenneth: The best idea when selecting course material is to 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 considered the most efficient method of delivery. The method you describe sounds very thorough! Regards, Barry