Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Nancy: Another thing we can say is to help give our students the skills they need to make the most effective decisions they can in their lives. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Nancy: Also, balance is key. For example, too much humor, or being too strict - both of these extremes may serve to distract the student from the material. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

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Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Michele: One way to evaluate yourself in this regard is to keep a teaching journal that not only describes what worked or what didn't, but also how you felt during the session at hand. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

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Selecting evaluation methods

Hi Becky: I can see both advantages and disadvantages with this approach. Since you are limited in such a way, are you able to assess if a student is doing more than just memorizing facts to pass the tests? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Becky: When I receive those kinds of questions when there are still several assignments, I say two things. One, I explain that we can estimate their final score "assuming they get 100%" on every assignment. Two, I explain that because this is impractical, it's better to wait to re-examine this questions the day before the final exam for the very reason you described. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Roy: Something else about the use of back-up plans - they might be used no matter what just as a means of changing up the energy and flow of class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

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Reengaging off-task students

Hi Roy: Another technique that may be effective is walking around when lecturing, putting yourself in closer proximity to the student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Michele: Most texts that include PPTs do an fair job of providing the necessary material. One thing we need to be careful of is never to read each slide, but instead, expound on the primary ideas. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

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Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Michele: Pretests can also reveal what kind of student learner you have, making lesson planning that much more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Ryan: A lot of institutions are shying away from the use of extra credit because it may allow a student to pass a course by the skin of their teeth. Is that fair to those who have worked hard to get the best grade possible in the class? Regards, Barry