Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Alice: It may send an inappropriate message to the student when the instructor is disorganized, something along the lines of "I don't care enough about your learning to be prepared". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Esther: Like you indicated, doing this is invaluable, and doesn't even need to take a lot of time. I find that by using a journal after each class, I can guage both my strengths and weaknesses, and also remind myself what worked and what didn't. Then, I can try to improve EVERYTHING for the next go through. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Jay: Absolutely - and, what kind of negative message might it send the student when we are disorganized? Can you imagine the potential negative long-term impact it would have to the stdent's perception of the instructor if we are sending the message "I dont care about your learning" just by being disorganized? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Lynn: The nice thing about a journal is that it can help us see our weaknesses and strengths, and offer us the opportunity to continually make improvements to both, thus hopefully becoming ever more effective instructors. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Lynn: One thing to keep in mind is that there should always be a balance with (for example) friendliness and professionalism, etc. Too much of any one thing may serve to distract the student from the main topic at hand. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Lynn: Like you touched on, these tools can serve us instructors by showing us what kind of student learner we have, which can help make lesson planning more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Hi Barabara: To echo your sentiments, a grading system should be set up and discussed as early as possible (like the first day of class) to avoid misunderstanding, or the potential for students who like to "negotiate" their grade. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Barabara: That's definitely true. However, as a general caution, there should be a balance of instructor friendliness with professionalism. Too much of any extreme can serve to distract the student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Barabara: Another thing we can do on a regular basis is to walk around the learning environment (if possible) bring our person in closer proximity to the student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Barabara: And, these activities may bring a new perspective to the student that solidifies something you've been discussing in class. Regards, Barry