Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Sandy: You've got it - and it fosters an open line of communication between the instructor and the student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Dennis: I think the idea to be mindful of is if used, extra credit should be provided to everyone, regardless of class standing. The concern is that it may allow a student who is barely passing, or not passing to pass the course without satisfactorily learning the main ideas. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Pamela: Pretests are also a great way to show you what kind of student learner you have, making lesson plans more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Brian: Like you are describing, we're suggesting the instructor needs to be mindful of the students needs, and not just present information and expect students to grasp everything immediately. This ocncept involves an ongoing process during the learning sessions from start to finish. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Robert: Another good technique (if possible) is to have the instructor walk around the class while lecturing, and just bring themselves in closer proximity to the student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Robert: You got it! We're talking about offering a fresh perspective to the student to reinforce what you've been describing in the classroom. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi LeeAnn: Right - these tools offer a fresh perspective to the students and gives them a chance to ask questions from new people, reinforcing what you've been discussing in the class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Jodi: Students may lose confiedence in the instructor who is disorganized. With this loss of credibility, the student may tune out and miss something very important. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Mary Jane: Very true - if we are disorganized, we may unintentionally send the student the message "I don't care about your outcome", which can be detrimental to that learning relationship. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Mary Jane: So in general, these tools are a great way to offer the students a fresh persepctive of the content you've been discussing in class. Regards, Barry