Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Kevin: This is a good plan. Students like variety, and not one method can really do as much as a combination of media delivery methods. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Kevin: Pretesting has a number of uses and puposes. Comparing student progress (using the same test at the beginning and end of a course) to demonstrate how far students have come is an interesting motivator. Also, when I am unsure what the students know, a pretest helps me determine what requires emphasis and where I don't have to spend as much time. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Kelly: Great!. One latent benefit of keeping a journal is not just in the short term, but also reviewing and reflecting on classess years from now. Good luck! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Suzzane: Great! Case studies or stories from the world of work are nearly always interesting and keep the students attention. These can be stretched, shrunk, or not done at all depending on the need and/or allotted time. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Woody: Creativity in both delivery of course content and student receipt of learned material can be inhanced through multiple senses. Getting students to become more aware of their surroundings is another example of something simple that improves learning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Karen: I think the small group discussion is effective too. It allows opinion, commentary, and reinforcement of course content in a manner that is different from other instructional possibilites. What's cool is this fosters critical thinking and original thought which are key attributes that will be needed in the real world of work. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Karen: Electronic gradebooks are great for instructors that have access to them. What they limit is the personal touch. To some degree, perhaps that is the point, the ability to post grades seamlessly for the student to examine at their convenience. But progress in a course can be improved with frequent and personal discussion with a student. Offering advice, suggestions for improvement allows 1-on-1 feed back and improves the communication with students. Although comments can be made electronically, the personal touch helps convey care and interest in seeing the student achieve their best. A combination of both may be… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Nancy: You've described a great example for filling time that productive and related to the topic. In this case it involves computers. But every back up plan (even those without the need for computers) should serve a similar pupose. A good back up plan should be something that can be initiated on realtively short notice, is pertinent to the lesson, requires little preparation, and provides students with the feeling their time is not being wasted. I think your example fills the bill! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Richard: I think we should stive to be genuine, original versions of ourselves, using our education, background, experience, and teaching prowess to facilitate the students learning. Attributes every teacher has is honesty, care and concern, enthusiasm, interest, and ability in a specific area - an expertise. Expressing that in our unique way helps create interesting and enjoyable learning sessions because we are just being natural with a focus to transfer our knowledge baout topics we know to our students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Michelle: Understanding must come, true. And with understanding, the student will be equipped to deal with many situations that can never be taught - they have to be expereinced. Transfering what you've learned to students is our role as teachers. They, in turn, will carry that information into the next generation. Regards, Barry