Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Melissa: In addition to keeping them on track, it can assist students to make changes in their study habits as soon as possible, making for more successful outcomes by the time that course has ended. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Carmella: Right! By allowing extra credit, we may give the idea that students can pass the course without really understanding the material. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Brian: Good point - by using a variety of materials, we're more likely to teach in such a way as to address every type of learning style. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Victor: You've hit on a strong point of interest here - extra credit may end up allowing a student to pass a class when they really haven't demonstrated they fully understand the material. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Steve: Great! I don't always use pretesting, but I fiund where it works best is with new students I know little about, usually at the beginning od a term, and when I want to test thde waters on where my emphasis will be with this cohort of students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Jerry: Clever use of simple instructional tools. I am always impressed and sometimes amazed at what I hear instructors do to make their classes more inetresting. This one has a small bit of cost but the benefits are worth the peenies it costs to obtain the post-it's. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Hi Amy, Sounds like you use an effective strategy when selecting course content. One thing all instructors should be mindful of is using a variety of techniques to address every type of learning style. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Amy, Agreed, it should be something given out to everyone, but one concern many have about extra credit is that it might allow a student who is not passing the chance to do so. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

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Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Gregory: That's it! Keeping in mind what the student's needs are, and anything that can improve on their learning experience. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Gregory: If we could generalize for a moment, we might comment that personality is important, as long as there is a balance. Too much emotion or passion, for example may distract from the content at hand. Regards, Barry