Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Michele: Many institutions aren't allowing extra credit for the very reason you describe. What I've done is put an extra question at the end of the test like you described, but tell the student they can only earn a maximum of "100%" on the exam despite the use of the extra questions. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Kai: One thing that may happen when an instructor is disorganized on a consistent basis is that it may send a message to the group that you don't care enough about their outcomes to prepare sufficiently. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Brenna: And, students get the chance to make changes in study habits sooner than later, which promotes a more successful outcome at the end of the course. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Charlotte: Something else is the student may get the chance to speak to someone in their field and ask invaluable questions that aren't fully addressed in the classroom. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Scott: Are there any ideas on what can help a student succeed? For example, offering tutoring outside of class, or offering regular access to grades? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi James: There are a couple of tips to guage how well an instructor is keeping their method student oriented. One is to keep a teaching journal that addresses this. Another is presenting the material with the idea from the student's perspective. Some call this the "what's in it for me" concept. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Nancy: Absolutely - the kinds of issues you describe can certainly change the energy in the learning environment into something hostile. Most of us would probably agree we don't learn well in a hostile environment. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi James: Very true - and on a broader level, we might also say we are trying to help our students become more effective decision makers in life. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Roy: To take that idea one step further - if we use a variety of teaching methods, we increase the chance of the student retaining the material exponentially. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Katrena: And, if an instructor is consistently disorganized, if may send a strong oposing signal, something like "I don't care about your learning". Regards, Barry