Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Karen: That's so true! There should ultimately be a balance between passion and professionalism. Too much of one or the other can distract the student from the primary topic. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Karen: That's an effective technique. Additionally, if possible, the instructor can walk around the room while lecturing bringing a closer proximity between them and the student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Cindy: Field trips can be an effective way to renew the student's interest in a topic you've been discussing, especially if the site will be similar to a place they will work after the schooling is over. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Cindy: Another good thing showing student's their status is that it provides the instructor with the chance to say "good job" if warranted. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

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Awarding extra credit

Hi Karen: Some institutions don't allow extra credit because it may allow a student to pass a course when they haven't demonstrated an understanding of the main points. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Mary: One nice thing about showing students their status on a regular basis is that they may be able to see what kind of changes they need to make in their study habits to 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 Todd: True, field trips, and maybe even guest speakers might be impractical for every situation. In general, theycan serve to increase the interest and overall knowledge a student walks away with about a topic you are discussing in class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Fredrik: Great questions! Probably a huge discussion potential here. One idea that comes to mind is that a number of our students can not effectively read when they leave high school. There are similar trends based on studies that have been done on the subject with other subjects like math and english. For the United States, this is a big contributor to the concept you describe. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Patricia: The general idea of back-up plans is to assist the instructor if they run out of time, find the class getting out of hand, etc. One consideration is to use back-up plans no matter what as a way to change up the energy of the class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Constance: To look at the other side of the coin, if we are disorganized, it may send the wrong kind of message to the student, something like "I don't care enough about your learning to be organized for you". Regards, Barry