Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Jacqueline: Many institutions use a similar policy due to the issue of the extra credit possibly allowing a student to pass a class without really demonstrating an understanding of the main ideas. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Brenna: Additionally, we might think about using back-up plans no matter what, just as a way of keeping our learning environment as robust as possible. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Brenna: Interaction is great! One thing for instructors to keep in mind is the idea of balance - too much humor, for example, may serve to distract the student from the learning. This might be suggested about any extreme of personality. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Brenna: Exactly! And, think of the impact it might have to the class relationship if the instructor were constantly disorganized. It may inadvertently send the wrong kind of message - something like "I don't care about your learning". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi John: Exactly! The opposite side of that coin is this: Disorganization will probably result in a loss of credibility with the student, and can distract the student from the learning process. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Kara: That sounds like an effective method of instructional delivery because you are using more than one presentation style, which is sure to address as many learning styles as you can. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Katrina: To put that another way, the more often a student has access to their status in the course, the better chance they have of making small changes in study habits that might make for a stronger outcome at the end of the course. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Jim: These are great points. One thing to keep in mind is BALANCE when it comes to instructor personality. Any extreme, be it too much humor, or too much strictness can serve to distract the student from the learning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Rosetta: The nice thing about both of these types of activities is that it serves the student's interestes and understanding of material you have covered. That different perspective you mentioned may be just the thing to help them understand a topic you've covered in class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Rosetta: One thing back-up plans are great for are that they can be used no matter what just as a different way of teaching material and addressing as many learning styles as we can. Regards, Barry