Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Dennis: Powerful! To paraphrase, we strive to help our students become more effective decision makers in school and in life. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Dennis: Another thing pretests are great for are that they might allow you a chance to see what kind of learner you have, which can make for more effective lesson planning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Dennis: Letting students know where they stand as soon as possible is great in that it may allow them a chance to make changes in study habits that can facilitate a more successful outcome at the end of the course. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Heather: Guest speakers and fields trips absolutely serve to renew interest in the topics as well as bring a fresh perspective about something in the field. Something to think about for some situations (not all are practical) is to suggest a student go do this on their own, job shadow, or talk to someone in their field and return to class and discuss their findings. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Nutisha: The nice thing about knowing a learning style before hand is that it helps make lesson planning more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Nutisha: Most institutions have a similar policy due to the fact that extra credit may allow a student to pass a course without really demonstrating an understanding of the main ideas. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Ha Nie: One thing to keep in mind is the idea of TOO MUCH personality. In other words, any extreme, be it too much humor, or too much seriousness may serve to distract the student from the content. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Heather: Similar to the method you describe here, another great way to support the idea of using senses and imagination in the learning environment is to liken whatever topic you are addressing to a real-world scenario as much as possible. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Katrina: Again, in the vain of trying to address as many learning styles as possible, one idea is to create back-up plans, and use them no matter what, just a a new way of doing things in the class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Precious: Discussions are definitely an answer to this issue. Something else that may be equally effective (if possible)is to have the instructor walk around the classroom while lecturing and bring a closer proximity to themselves and the student. Regards, Barry