Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Linda: Entusiastic, excited, motivating, inspirating instructors create an upward flow that attacts and commands students to focus and pay attention. However we can achieve that with our natural and learned skills is how we should be - natural and genuine in our delivery. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Ashia: Students use all of their senses all the time. It's like being thrown in water - there's a natural tendacy to dog-paddle and keep the head above water. We can emphasize some senses at times, but I think students will automatically use what they need. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Dennis: For me, my planned curriculum assumes I'm going to cover certain things in a certain amount of time. Pretesting provides me opportunity to modify my curriculum in order to put the emphasis where it can assist the students the most. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Dennis: Your exercise is wonderful - meaningful and valuable. Why is it extra credit? If it's important, why not incorporate it into the regular assignment grades. EC implies "special points for something special". Unless it's offered to all, graded the same, and doesn't add piles of extra points, I'd avoid EC if possible. Call it bonus points; then all students can have a stab at it and you can grade accordingly. EC given in substitution for regular classwork just seems unfair, and diminishes the hard work your good students have put in to ear their true grade. I don't… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Dennis: Right. Emphasize the more important information, while not spending as much time on what the students already know. Pretesting is a perfect tool. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Sandy: Certainly, getting away from the same old classroom can be refreshing. But when that's coupled with a dynamic experience, something that really opens the eyes of students who may not have realized they'll soon be in the workforce - that can create a powerful drive to do well. Inner motivation and commitment to achieving a better life for themselves and their families is also very powerful. Exciting times await those who respond favorably to a dynamic field trip. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Paul: When students feel their teacher care about their success, they're more likely to be motivated to trey or try harder. We can be patient, caring, while offering advice along with encouragement and support. This will be remembered as memorable and meaningful counsel. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Trena: We all have learned from others. Even self taught used books and manuas wriiten by others. If we can instill the passion, enthusiasm, and knowledge we have gained and transfer that to the next generation, they take that and carry it further. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Ally: For me, student centered put the focus of the class on the individual needs of students, trying to find what it takes to get my message across. I have to be willing to bend my curriculum some if needed, and for some, that's a hard thing to do. Some curriculum is very set and organized with little room for modification. Still, with a creative touch, both the curriculum and student needs are bbeing met. That's being student centered. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Eric: Humor is helpful as long as it is not overdone. I have a dry sense of humor and most of it flys right over most students heads, so I've learned to focus on the lesson in a straightforward manner, courteous and polite, honest, and sincere. No problems. Regards, Barry