Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Sherry: One thing to mention about this is the concept of BALANCE. Too much of any extreme in personality, whether too humorous, or too serious (for example) might only serve to distract the students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Gail: Informal discussion can be a great way to help students understand the topic at hand, especially topics that are technical. Something else that's really helpful is to tie-in these kinds of discussions to everyday scenarios whenever you can. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Kaytha: That's a great way of describing the ultimate goal of education - to paraphrase, we need to help our students make the most informed choices that they can in their lives. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Sherry: The nice thing about back-up plans is that they can be used as an additional learning tool that can change the energy within the learning environment. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Kaytha: One thing that's nice about back up plans is that they can be used , no matter what. What I mean is that they can be utilized as another way to review the material, while at the same time changing the energy of the learning environment and breaking up monotony. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Patricia: That's so true. Additionally, letting them know where they stand on a regular basis can facilitate changes in study habits that may be needed. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Rebekah: The methods you are describing here are basically showing us that the best way to be "student centered" is a combination of accounability on the student's end mixed with flexibility and keeing the student's needs foremost in mind on the instructor's end. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Sandy: What you are describing here is the need for BALANCE between all delivery methods. Too much personality one way or the other can serve to distract the student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Dawn: Great point! One thing that can help an instructor keep tabs on who they are and how they are doing is to keep a journal that discusses what worked and what didn't in a class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Patricia: Something else a journal might reveal about ideas that worked well is ways to build upon those ideas and make them even better. Often, instructors may think the only thing a teaching journal is good for is showing what DIDN'T work. Regards, Barry