Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Laurie: By consistently allowing your students to know where they stand in your course, they are given the chance to make small changes in study habits that might help promote a more successful outcome at the end of the course. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Charlotte: Additionally, being consistently disorganized may result in the wrong kind of message sent to your student, somthing like "I don't care enough about your learning to be organized". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Lyn: One way we might answer this very philosophical question of how to be a better teacher by being a student-centered instructor might come from keeping a teaching journal that asks what best served the student's needs in every learning activity you use. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Sara: One way to reveal these kinds of insight into yourself as an instructor is to keep a teaching journal that describes what worked and what may not have in your learning session. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Lyn: Using a multitude of teaching methods (the senses, discussions, group work, etc.) is more likely to address the different learning styles you touch on in your statement. This is considered by most as a very effective teaching style. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Ron: This sounds clearly like a very organized routine that you consistently follow. Too bad all classes weren't more like this! The idea here is that if an instructor is consistently disorganized, it may result in a loss of credibility for that instructor and further impact the learning relationship the instructor has with a student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Lyn: Back-up plans are especially important for the online learning environment for the very reasons you state. When we discuss the use of back-up plans, we are usually addressing the need for them in a traditional face to face environment. Here's a question - is there a purpose for back up assignments in the online learning environment in the same manner as face to face classes? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Lyn: You point out the very issues that using extra credit can produce. In general, if an instructor's institution allows, the extra credit should be offered to all, and not created in such a way that it would allow a student to pass the course without demonstrating an understanding of the main ideas. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Ron: The effective technique you are using is sure to address sever learning styles, making it more likely a greater percentage of your students will retain your information. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Lyn: What we're really describing here is using as many techniques as possible to try to help our students gain a better understanding. This can be done by using the sense in learning, by trying new things, by having discussions, etc. Regards, Barry