Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Daniel: Something else to consider - if instructor's use as many media types as they can, it may help address as many learning styles that there are. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Daniel: To put that another way, the pretest may show you what kind of learner you have and make lesson planning more effective as a result. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Daniel: And, by showing them where they stand as soon as possible, they may be able to make changes in study habits to promote a stronger outcome by the end of the course. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Scott: And, these kinds of activities are a great way to help renew interest in topics you've been discussing, as well as offer fresh perspective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Scott: Something to consider is to create any back-up plan....then use them anyway as a means to break up the flow and energy in a class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Scott: Most institutions are not using extra credit anymore due to the fact it might allow a student to pass a course without demonstrating an ability to articulate the main ideas. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Hi Scott: I agree with you in essence. However, most institutions don't allow the pass/fail method to be used, because undoubtedly, too many students would not pass and there would be huge attrition. However, you can set up a rubric that supports the pass or fail method and still be essentially an A-F system. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Ramona: You are describing the essence of this philosophy very well. Essentially, the instructor would act in a flexible way to allow the student enough time to absorb new information, say with discussion activities. Of course, this is not always plausible for every learning situation. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi Doris: You make a great point here. In addition, instructors should be flexible when teaching so there is sufficient time for the students to absorb new information. A good way to do this is to have group discussions (if possible). Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Yvonne: And, the nice thing about doing this on a regular basis is that it allows effective follow-up. What if you made suggestions for changes in study habits, and the student didn't make any and continued to have poor outcomes as a result? By having regular feedback sessions, we might more successful reinforce the need for those changes and promote a stronger outcome. Regards, Barry