Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Magda: Something else these can help with is keeping an eye on what works and what doesn't as well. By knowing this, the next time we cover that same topic, we can avoid any pitfalls that resulted in a loss of understanding on the student's part. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Faith: Indeed, these kinds of activities can help strengthen understanding due to the fresh perspective the student gains from seeing the concepts you've discussed in a classroom setting right in front of their eyes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Faith: Also, an overall goal might be to suggest we are helping our students become better decision makers, both in school and in their lives. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Faith: Another great technique is letting the students know that after the review, you will be asking them to recite outlout the new definition you just covered, or come up and write it out on the white board. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Ruth: That's great! In my experience, it also helps to review those expectations every so often, and remind the student they can find those written expectations in the syllabus (or wherever) if they ever have a question about it. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Sandra: One concept that supports this philosophy is the need to be flexible at all times in our delivery approach. For example, what if it met the needs of the student best by having a group discussion instead of a lecture? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Becky: One of the nice things about back-up activities is that they can be used anyway as a means to break up the flow of class and refresh the energy of the learning environment. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Deborah: Think of the message it might send the students when the instructor is consistently disorganized - it may inadvertently tell the student "I don't care enough about your learning to be prepared for you". That would be awful! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Laurie: You're right of course - having the student read out loud may not always be practical for every learning environment situation. Another technique that may work well is to have the instructor walk around the class while lecturing to bring closer proximity between them and the students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

hi joe: Great points! To expand on some things you mentioned, determining what is appropariate for the group can be difficult due to the fact that not everyone learns at the same pace, or as you mentioned, in the same way. To echo what you wrote, the best way to address this ongoing phenomenon is to utilize as many senses and teaching methods as we can to address as many people as we can. Regards, Barry