Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Nedialka: A well prepared teacher is ready for whatwver may occur during the class. They have more than enough material to cover the period. They are able to field questions - sometimes questions and their answers can occupy a large part of class. But preparedness allows the teacher to cover what they want covered, emphsisize the needed points, and have the resources needed when that time comes. This is not going to happen by accident - the teacher will have to plan for these successful outcomes to take place. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Hoang: This is good. Sharing ways to improve or sufggestions and advice can be added to reinforce to the students the teacher care about their success. Worrds of encouragement and support are helpful as well. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Hoang: Change ups like moving students into small group activity can be successful, but often not even that much re-focusing is needed. Asking students questions as the teacher is lecturing can awaken students focus. Another step is circulating around the room. One of the best ways is to shift away from the topic and share a story about the work setting. Students like stories. Afterq=wards, retrurn to topic. It's amazing how effective something as simple as a work related story can refocus students attention. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Teresa: Well, we sure want to dispel any fears! Frequent sharing of grades and earned points is important so that a student knows where they stand and have an opportunity to make corrections so it will be reflected in their grade. Waiting too long may not give that opportunity. This also gives us an opportunity to offer encouragement and support, and caring words of advice and suggestions for improvemnent, which should demonstate to the students that their teacher is interested in their success. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Teresa: Pretesting can be done both at the beginning and end of a course. It can also precede a test to see what areas students still need work on. It's a great tool that more teachers outh to use. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Hi John: Many institutions determine the grading systems. But as it appears you do, the teacher has control over what grades and points the student earn. Conveying this information to students will be appreciated the more frequent it is shared. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi David: Student centered really just simply shifts the focus from from being curriculum-centered to student centered. Curriculum-centered uses a fixed, preplanned lesson and method to teaching a class regardless of where or what the students need. Contrasting that, student -centered appreoaches individualining instruction as much as possible in order to feach students and assure they are getting the infortmation they need. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi John: PPT is a great tool, but it's only a tool, and one of many media choices a teacher has at their disposal. The question that should be asked is "what is the best way to teach this material?" All PPT would not be the best choice. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Eileen: You've made some good points about ways to make personality work favorably in the classroom. Personality is the most obvious way that student relate to the teacher. They could be the most knowledgeable person around, and have have a excellent curriculum prepared, but if their personality falls flat, is weak for some reason, or not well received, those other attributes will be diminished. But I don't think anyone should be artificial. The natural version of ourselves will be better received, and our own version of humor, enthusisam, excitement, interest, and expertise should be emphasized in class. Students will… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Betty: I agree that well planned field trips can be one of the most memorable experiences a student may have in a class. Field trips share a real life version of something that can't be duplicated in the classroom. It also opens the eyes of many students and may inspire some who were not too serious to buckle down and want to do better in class based on the field trip experience. Regards, Barry