Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Cheryl: And, by showing them how they are doing on a regular basis, the student may be able to make changes in study habits as soon as possible to foster a more successful outcome at the end of the course. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi Yvonne: Student learning outcomes can be looked at from different angles. On one level, they can be a legal entidy of sorts ("the student will be able to describe XYZ at the end of the course). Another way is how it serves the student. For example, an altruistic SLO might be the student can make better decisions as a result of taking your class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Lawrence: To piggy-back on one of your comments, one thing instructors are forced to do is constantly ask themselves "is this working"? In other words, how we present the information to some groups may not be appropriate for others. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Barbara: One thing that can assist instructors with this process is keeping a teaching journal that describes what works and what doesn't in every class session. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Michael: The great thing about what you are describing, or just using these devices in general is that they offer the student a different perspective than what you describe in class, which might help them understand a topic in a much deeper sense. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Janine: Very true - keep in mind however, that too much personality (too humorous...too strict) may only serve to distract the student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Sandie: Depending on how you run the pretest, it might also be a nice tool to show you what kind of student learner you have, which can help the instructor make more effective lesson plans. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Terry: To play the "devil's advocate" for a second, too much of any kind of personality style, be it humorous, or strict may serve to distract the student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Sandy: Another idea to is to have the instructor walk around the class when lecturing putting a closer proximity between themselves and the students. Of course, this only works if practical - it wouldn't work for every class environment. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Lawrence: You make a strong point here - it is important to address as many learning styles as possible. The method you are describing, including the V.A.K. theory is paramount to making this idea stick. Regards, Barry