Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Gordon: That's right! By using these activities, it can give the student a renewed sense of enthusiasm for the topic matter, or allow them the chance to speak to someone else about the topic for a fresh perspective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Gordon: These are great techniques. What you are essentially doing is using a variety of approaches to get the material to the student. The good thing about this approah is that it addresses all types of student learning types. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Gordon: Right - and it also may give you a chance to see what kind of learner the students are. By knowing this, we can design more effective lesson plans. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Gordon: Exactly! And by allowing them the chance to make corrections, they will have a better chance at more successful outcomes at the end of the course. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Lina: That's it! By keeping the student's outcomes and interests in mind, we can be the most effective type of instructor - those that care. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Lina: That's true. Also, if the instructor is passionate about the topic, this enthusiasm can translate to the student, making the topic that much more interesting. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Lina: The beauty of what you are describing is that it may offer you a clue as to what type of learner the student is, which can make for more efficiently designed lesson plans. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Hi Lina: That's very true. It can be a challenge for the instructor to decide what assignments are worth. Some institutions remove this issue by deciding what things will be worth for the instructor. But those that don't, should examinations carry the most weight (like they usually do)? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Hi Benny: One consideration may be to use a rubric that describes the expectations for the grade. Using these can help to avoid misunderstandings or create a "biased" picture to anyone. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Simon: They can serve to illustrate what kind of student learner you have, making the design of lesson plans more effective. Regards, Barry