Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Jean: True, and most institutions use these as a means of evaluation. For example, a traditional SLO might involve the words "the student will be able to discuss...". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Jennifer: To paraphrase what you've described, we need to keep the student's interests always in the forefront of our minds to make sure we embrace this ideal. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Gerald: And, another good thing that can come from using these tools is that it gives you an idea of what kind of learner you have, making lesson planning more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Kathleen: You're describing a great mental attitude when coming from a student centered approach: flexibility, keeping the student's outcomes in mind when teaching, etc. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Kurt: Another nice thing about field trips is that it usually serves to renew interest in the main concepts you've been discussing in class. And, the student might get the chance to ask questions to other people for a fresh perspective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Kurt: A positive attitude would most likely foster an approachability between student and instructor, which can make for more effective communication, and avoid the pitfalls that a closed personality might bring. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Kurt: Exactly - and it can also reveal what kind of student learner you have, making lesson planning more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Kurt: Great idea! Most institutions are under the idea that the use of extra credit that impacts the grade is not an effective way to reinforce learning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Halina: Right! And, they are given the chance to make changes in study habits as soon as possible. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Misty: To build upon something you wrote, another good thing about identifying strengths and weaknesses is that we can continually try to improve upon both, becoming stronger from it. Regards, Barry