Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Tom: What I like best about what you described is that it promotes an attituded of flexibility with yourself and with looking at how effective we are with our instruction to students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Donald: By using a journal to record what works and what didn't, or "surprise accidents" like you described, we can help ourselves become more effective instructors in the long run. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Lori: The nice thing about evaluating students on a regular basis and providing feedback is that it give the student a chance to make changes in study habits and foster a more successful outcome at the end of the course. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Lise: One way to get to know yourself as an instructor is to consider using a teaching journal on a daily basis and track what worked and what didn't in the class, including opinions you made, or techniques you tried. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Michael: Another effective technique may be just to have the instructor walk around the room when they lecture bringing themselves in closer proximity to the students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Patricia: Another idea about this concept is to keep balance between too much personality, and not enough professionalism. Ideally, the instructor should input their personlity traits and passion into the teaching without making it a distraction. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Hi Ed: One nice thing about backup plans is that they can be used no matter what as a way of breaking up the monotony of the learning environment and breing new energy to the classroom. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Rosalie: Another idea is (if possible), have the instructor walk around in closer proximity to the students while they lecture. Some have found this helps keep the students focused engaged compared to just standing at the front of the room. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Paula: To paraphrase what you mentioned, if we use a variety of media, we are more likely to efficiently address every type of learning style. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Laura: One of the things that backup activities are great for are to break up the monotony of the flow of class and bring new energy into the environment. For that reason, some people like to use them no matter what. Regards, Barry