Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Michael: One of the ways an instructor can be sure to be student centered involves the idea, concept, and philosophy of FLEXIBILITY. While not completely practical for every learning environment, being willing to change up the flow of class and try new things can only serve the student's learning in the end. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Jim; One way an instructor can learn about themselves is keeping a teaching journal that describes what worked and what didn't. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Barbara: In additon to helping the student gain a fresh perspective about topics you've been describing, it may alos help them formulate new questions that they otherwise would not have thought of before seeing it before their eyes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Carly: The great thing about field trips is that they may offer a fresh perspective to the student and help them to better understand a topic you have been describing in class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Barbara: In this day and age, the technique you are describing is great, especially for reaching a traditionally younger crowd of students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Ralph: That's very true - instructor's should ideally be flexible enough to see when something isn't working, to change up the activity or energy of the class, and try new things. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Ralph: And, pretests are alos a great way to show you what ways your students learn and understand content, something that can then be put to use when making lesson plans. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Ralph: In general, a lot of institutions have a "no extra credit" policy due to the fact that overuse of it may allow the student to pass a course when they haven't demonstrated the ability to do so. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Kathy: These kinds of activities are a great way for the student to get a fresh perspective on something the instructor has been describing in the class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Kathy: That's awesome! Snd certainly, your enthusiasm will translate positively to your learning environment. Regards, Barry