Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Jean: That's a great idea for the use of a back-up plan. One idea is to use any kind of back up as a way of breaking up the monotony of presentation. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Peter: We most definitely need to read what we write down. In this way, we can continually try to make improvements in both what works, and what doesn't. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Kim: Good point! There should ideally be a balance between kind but firm, using humor, and using the instructor's natural personality to deliver the material. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting evaluation methods

Hi Marc: Most institutions are going to the use of rubrics to try to avoid any possible misunderstandings that can develop over what the expectations are for the class grades. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Kim: Another consideration is that using these tools can also help an instructor see what kind of student learner they have, makikng lesson planning more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Peter: True, anyone who has ever smelled pseudomonas will never soon forget it! In general, if we can incorporate senses in learning, we increase the chance of addressing every type of learning style. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Peter: Another idea is to create these and use them regardless, just as a way of breaking up the monotony of the learning environment. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Hi Kim: You're right, especially if a project is just a portion of the entire class grade. Some instructors use a rubric to try to avoid misunderstandings that may develop in this kind of situation. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Peter: Keep in mind that using extra credit may also allow students the chance to pass a course that they may have otherwise not passed. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Michael: Right! Using these can give the student a renewed sense of enthusiasm in the subject matter you've been discussing. Regards, Barry