Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Elise: Similar to yours, 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 Kai: 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

Using a teaching journal

Hi Michelle: The 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 â€˜round. Also, improvements can be made in both what has worked, and what hasnâ€™t. Regard, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Janet: Consistency is VERY important to create a comfortable and safe feeling learning environment. Changing up the activities can be done at the same time of having a set schedule the students come to expect. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Janet: The idea of balance is key when discussing instructor personality. If an instructor is too strict, or vice-versa, too humorous - each of these extremes can serve to distract the student from the learning material. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi Cynthia: One way to incorporate student learning outcomes into each day's class session is to write them out on a whiteboard and review them both at the beginning of class, then again at the end. We can also ask the students questions during the post-review time to make sure they understood the main ideas. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Denise: In addition to personal stories, something that may also work well is group discussions (dividing students into small groups and assigning each a short topic to work out and present to the class). Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Cynthia: Something that may also work well is to walk around the classroom when lecturing to bring a closer physical proximity between you and the student. Not all lessons can be done in this manner, and it may not be effective for students who are genuinely too tired to be there. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Cynthia: The nice thing about keeping students informed about their status on a regular basis is that it allows them the chance to make changes in study habits as soon as possible, which may foster a more successful outcome. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Ron: Often times, real-world examples are just the thing to drive a point home. But, you are correct, this often takes more preparation time at the beginning. Once we teach something through the first time, that shouldn't be as much of an issue the next time through. Regards, Barry