Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Rosetta: I agree. If an instructor is friendly and approachable, this facilitates the learning relationship. Keep in mind that any extreme in personality (to much humor, too strict, etc.) may only serve to distract the student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Hi Jacqueline: Maybe! However, one school of thought is "keep it interesting". If we can do this on a consistent basis, it shouldn't matter what degree of education your student has. They will be entertained, and maybe still learn something new anyway. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Ruth: To paraphrase what you wrote, we strive to help our students gain the ability to make more effective decisions at school and in life. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Deborah: You got it - think about what message you may inadvertently send the student when we are consistently disorganized. After a while, it's kind of like saying "I don't care enough about your learning to be organized". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Ruth: Another thing these tools are great for are potentially showing you what kind of student learner you have, making lesson planning that much more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Paula: To piggy-back on what you wrote, another thing using a variety of teaching techniques addresses is that it helps keep the atmosphere upbeat and robust instead of the monotony associated with any SINGLE presentation style. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi Deborah: Exactly! In fact, some instructors find it useful to write out the daily objectives then review them at the end of the class as a way to support the very thing you describe. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Deborah: Pre-tests are a great way to both gauge where the student is in the material, and also to potentially learn what kind of learner they are which can help make for more effective lesson planning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Deborah: Also, by allowing students to know where they are at all times, they may be able to make changes in study habits sooner than later, which will promote a more successful outcome. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Kathy: That's a superb idea. Another thing that may work (if practical) is to have the instructor walk around while lecturing, bringin a closer proximity between them and the student. Regards, Barry