Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Gregory: Exactly - and you can also see what information the student already knows. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Gregory: The only concern with using it is it might allow students who aren't passing the chance to do so. What message would that send to students who are excelling? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Gregory: Also, by knowing your strengths and weaknesses, we can make improvements to both, constantly striving to become more effective instructors. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi David: Right! These can serve to renew interest in the topics at hand, and possibly give the student a chance to talk to new people other than the instructors. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi LeeAnn: This sounds like a great way of using a variety of techniques, which will only serve to address every type of learning style. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi LeeAnn: Sometimes it might be a good idea to just have these back-up plans no matter what as a way of changing up the atmosphere a little, and using another perspective to learn material. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi David: Exactly - showing them scores routinely gives them a chance ot make changes in study habits as early as possible for more successful outcomes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Dennis: We might also add that there should be a balance with humor and with keeping too much emotion out of the learning environment, as this can serve to distract the student from the content. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Dennis: Yes - and they can serve to identify what kind of student learner you have. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Joel: I guess that's true - especially for career oriented classes. Usually, these kinds of activities serve to renew interest in the topics at hand. Regards, Barry