Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Phillip: Media selection of course depends on what resources are avilable. But given what's available the key question is to understand what the course objectives and student learning outcomes are, then deciding what is the best (efficient, effective, memorable) media I can choose to convey the topic. The next component - testing - reveals how effective we were in making these media choices. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Phillip: Good, and true. I tink when we can understand enough about ourselves to know how far to go and when to hold back, we are exercising control, which is a key to both self-understanding and effective delivery of the presented material. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Anna: No ones personality is exactly alike. I think it's a mistake to emulate someone else in an artificial way. Many times, we revert back to how it was when we were in school. I believe being honest and sincere, natural in our delivery, calm and relaxed, and conveying a care and comforting demeanor will most always be received well. Also, teachers should demonstrate courtesy and esteem for their students as a basic foundation. We may need some on course correction for students, but that, done in private, and expressing a genuine concern for the success of the student… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Grace: Pretests are great tools, mostly for the instructor to plan and adjust, to place more emphasis where it can do the most good. It also helps the student see where they may need to focus, sort of like "previews of coming attractions". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi David: Well, as we progress, we learn the shoulda/coulda's. Theres not another activity that produces the results that field trips or a good guest speaker can provide. It's surprisingly powerful. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Anna: Sounds like a good process. I don't pretest all the time. When I do it to understand (usually) new students when I don't know what knowledge they have and to what degree they're functioning. Occasionally, I'll do a post test similar to the pre-test to demonstrate how far the students have come. But ususally we are are so far past those early steps, it's a bit redundant. Exception: If I sense students need encouragement, I'll pull out the original and have them retake it. That usually illuminates their progress and makes for improved satisfaction. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Anna: Good, nobody wants surprises at the end of the course. It's interesting that I sense some instructors challenge their students (in testing) in a way that makes it extremely difficult to earn top grades - almost like "I dare you". Don't understand. As facilitators, we are collaborators with our students, sharing, teaching, simplifying - taking the time to attain understanding. There's an old saying 90% of your students should 90% or better. It's not scientific, but seems like a terrific goal to shoot for. Certainly, frequent and early on encoragement and support along with advice and suggestions will… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Betty: For me, assuring the course objectives, student learning objectives, and skill check-offs are met with as close to mastery as possible. These days, so much is compacted into tighter time periods, I think a lost "art" is the benefit of repetition Ookay, practice). Whatever the term, I think as often as possible, students should be given opportnity to demonstrate and repeat demonstration of all essential skills. Repetition builds performance mastery. This is also helpful for recall oriented facts. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi William: Yes, it's really a great planning tool for instructors, although students benefit by learning what's ahead or where they may need to prepare. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Sara: Prepared means being ready - ready by having the needed resources, lessons, equipment or instructional aids, handouts, etc available when needed. Even ready for extra questions, interruptions, or changing direction midtream. Readiness will allow this and the students won't necessarily know the change wasn't planned. Students wnat to know their teacher is prepared. I think it's great to arrive early to get the class in order, but to be available should early arriving students can ask questions, or even just chat informally. Regards, Barry