Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Jim: Due to the reality you are describing, a lot of institutions use prerequisite courses prior to starting the class. Understandably, this may not be a practical solution for every scenario, especially if the institution in question is trying to run a successful business. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Herschel: Very true - extra credit may also allow a student to pass the course when they have not demonstrated a full understanding in the way they should. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Nancy: This is so true. Another way to consider this topic might be to suggest, instructors should have balance between having too much passion for a topic, and not enough. Both extremes can distract the student in a negative way. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Nancy: Exactly, to paraphrase you - it gives the student a fresh perspective and may serve to renew their interest in the topics you've been discussing. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Nancy: I like the idea of thinking about the student as a customer. We can also think about them as our "product" as well. What do you want your product to be able to do for their future customers? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Nancy: Think of the message it sends when we are disorganized. Being disorganized may suggest "I don't care enough about your learning to be prepared for you". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Sandie: That's such a great idea. Too bad ther aren't more sites like this that show a person what to expect in a given field. The site you mentioned would probably be interesting to anyone in medical training. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Beth: This is especially helpful to students studying a career course of some kind and shows them what their day may be like/what kind of scenarios they may find themselves in. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi David: Field trips and guest speakers may also show the students a fresh perspective about topics you've been covering in class and renewing their interest in those topics at the same time. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi David: Additionally, we might all consider the use of MANY types of media in order to best serve the idea that students all learn in multiple and different ways. Regards, Barry