Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Hi Roger: Great dvice! If all instructors could be direct and clear all the time, a lot of wasted time could be avoided and students could learn more in the time allotted. Thanks for sharing. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Suzanne: You've described a great use for using a teaching journal. Not all teachers us it, but thos that do find it helpful for different resons: reflective, chonological, content, observational, planning, ideas - all are satisfactory uses that teachers find helpful. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Thomas: Discussion is good, especially when it isfocused and involves students. Engaging students in discussion and getting them to participate is better than listening to someone lecturing (although, that is important and has it's place too). Another consideration is, just like you, there may be students that are great conversationalists, so giving them (and others) an opportunity to express, comment, explain, or describe key points in a lesson leads to higher levels of the classroom learning environment. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting evaluation methods

Hi Roger: Using a variety of evaluation methods give the teacher the best overall view of the student's overall performance results. Learning is defined as the gain of knowledge, understanding, or skill by study or experience. Evaluations allow teachers to meaure to what degree the student achieved these. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Thomas: As teachers, we are in the best position to decide how we want to prepare ourselves and organize or time, plan for lessons and gather resources. We have a established set of course objectives to accomplish, but there are multiple methods to achieve these, and a variety of media resources desgned to minimize the amount of work for instructor involvement, and allows for more facilitation of instruction, as much as delivering it. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Roger: I am not an advocate for either EC or dropping lowest quiz score. I mention that as a substitute to participants in this forum who favor giving EC, and give my opinion why EC doesn't contribute to learning, only grades and points. So I offer an alternative, which, in my mind is different than EC,, i.e. the bonus question on an exam or dropping one lowest quiz score because at least these points will have been earned and based on student performance on established course curriculum. I believe "if course material is not learned, then the points should… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Roger: I think the more frequent we can communicate with our students, reagarding grades, or anything, the better informed they will be. Regarding grade status, if you have ccess to electronic grade sheets, the students can view their status anytime they want. If not, then both formal and informal sharing of grades and status, especially to the lower performing students is helpful in order to both give correction or suggestions for improvement, but also to give time for correction to begin to improve their grades. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Lorranine: Good comments. Guest speakers can also validate information you've shared and that tends to build trust and respect for the teacher. Speakers bring a dynamic to the class not easily duplicated by other instructional activities. They can inspire and motivate. My observations are students have never not benefited from guest speakers. You do have a point in being just a little selective or at least careful about who is invited in. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Hi Roger: Someone once said" experience is someone with a history of mistakes behind them". So I guess we experienced folks have made a lot of mistakes! Matching content to student need requires a thoughtful, resonsible process that really should be done by professionals who have had training and/or education in curriculum design (you know, experienced!) But assuming the basic curriculum is completed choosing the media, resources and materials needed for effective courses also takes thought, time and effort, and planning. Making adjustments based on observation, student performance, or feedback is critical for improvement to occur. I'll say it'll never… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Roger: Well, I think your frequent break period alone is a terrific reengement activity! Also, although not always possible in all classes, anytime we can get the students active, participating, even if that includes thinking, they'll stay more focused and engaged. I've found students lose focus when their tired, bored, unprepared, don't understand, or are preoccupied with other matters. The trick then, is to get them involved with someting that they perceive as impotant to them, often related to their work or career area. That helps keep their interest becasue they see benefit for them in what's being discussed.… >>>