Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Margaret: In addition to sending a strong message to the students that we care about their learning, you're right, it's less stressful when we walk into the class in an organized manner. This lesser amount of stress will undoubtedly translate to the atmosphere. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Heather: And like you touched on, these tools may also help identify what kind of learner the student is, which makes designing lesson plans more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Heather: In addition of keeping the student motivated, it gives them the chance to make changes in study habits that may result in more successful outcomes at the end of the course. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Jason: A lot of instructors have probably experienced what you're describing. Some philosophies describe holding a tighter reign on the students in the beginning to avoid the pitfall of playing catch up the rest of the session. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Jason: That's great! A more broad or general statement might be "to impart knowledge to the students". However, you've made a great link to tying in the goal to career outcomes as well. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Jason: You've hit upon the two primary uses of these tools: to analyze where the student is in the beginning, and to see what kind of learner they are. You make a good point about students may feel a little nervous, and this can definitely influence how some perform on tests in general. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Jason: Exactly! By informing students where they are during the course, they are given the chance to make changes in study habits for more successful outcomes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi Suzanne: Student learning objectives can be very helpful to assist the instructor with seeing if a student has achieved a measureable outcome. For example, let's say that a student will be able to "discuss" a topic, and be able to articulate the components with 70% accuracy, then we can measure if they can do that very thing. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Bonnie: Preparation for the work field is probably the most important goal for students in those kinds of settings. If we were to put a broader description on this idea, it might be something like "to impart knowledge to the student". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi William: The point you make is very important. Whether instructors agree or not, a student who feels like the instructor doesn't care will be less likely to fully participate in the class activities, and have poorer outcomes as a result. Regards, Barry