Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Jennifer: By listening to the feedback from the students tells them that you are flexible and willing to make changes that are more conducive to their learning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Kari: Absolutely - and they allow us the chance to continually make improvements in both our strengths AND weaknesses to become better and better instructors. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Joshua: Wow, in the scenario you're describing for your institution, it would be easy to see why students would clamor to participate. In general, these kinds of tools (guest speakers) can really serve to renew interest in the topics you've been discussing in the classroom. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Hi Jennifer: Making assumptions that a student will undrstand the content in the way we present it is a common mistake that instructors old and new continuously make. One thing we can try to limit this from happening is to present the material in several different ways, in an effort to address every type of learning style. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi Joshua: I agree with your message - as long as a student can articulate in a stronger way about the content, better than they could before, than we instructors are meeting the main objective of imparting knowledge. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Jennifer: Most institutions are in agreement with your sentiment of not using extra credit. The reason is because it may allow a student who does not fully understand the main content to squeek by and pass the course anyway. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Matt: Another idea is to walk around while lecturing, bringing yourself in closer proximity to the student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi David: Another idea about using these is it gives us an idea what kind of learner the student is, thus making lesson planning more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Hi Thomas: One thing about setting up a fair grading system is to make sure the students are made aware of whatever system you are using as early as possible so the expectation of them is known. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Timothy: So being a student centered instructor means that we continuously keep their long-term interests in mind, and try to make changes in our teaching style to be more effective for them. Regards, Barry