Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Roger: Good ideas. Relating to the students in whatever version they appear ((Gen-xers, Boomers, etc.), and understanding learning styles, preferences, and personal factors in their lives all contribute to zeroing our focus on their spicific and unique learning ability and retention of information. The more variety we put in our delivery style, and using varied media choices will help as well. Getting students to be involved actively, participating, and engaged in the lesson will be more meaninful as well. We have to be willing to put aside our standard plans in order to reach students, if thats what it… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Laurel: Organized teachers have taken time and effort and systematically thought out how the class can be conducted, what preparation is needed, identifying resources and teaching aids, and assuring they are prepared with the covered material as well. Smmoth classes rarely happen without preparation. The coordinbation preceding a well organized class is worth the effort in saved time, effective use of the instructor as resource, and time for unplanned questions, interruptions, or delays for whatever reason(technology can be a bummer). Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Tiffany: Pretesting can assist in some classes, although some classes it's not needed as the instructor knows at waht level their students are at, or the class makes doing a pretest awkward or impossible. Comparing fisrt day to last day analysis can be an interesting experience with pretesting also. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Tiffany: I think frequent sharing of grades, points, and status in the class makes for beter understanding by the student and helps to reinforce the student-teacher relationship. And besides grade information, we can also share suggestions and advice, and if we are kind, coureous, and sincere with students, they'll appreciate the care shown which can contribute to the student feeling like the teacher cares. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Seth: Good points. If we can be frequent and helpful in sharing class performance, students will recognize this as a teacher who cares. Kindness, courtesy, and honesty are always great ways to earn the trust and respect of student. And if they respect the teacher, they're bound to be more productive in the classroom. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi David: Good points. I think the basic reason is we have to measure to what degree we were successful in getting the student to learn the couse objectives and meet the student learning outcomes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi David: Perfect example of the benefits and usefulness of pretesting in a specific course. Also, I like the idea of using students as helpers and using them to assist less IT literate student some of the "basic" activities. Builds good camaraderie too. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Marianne: I think you're right about frequent sharing of garde status. There needs to be time to make corrections, and sometimes the advice we give is great, but it takes a while for the student to put it to full use. One key is to be kind and show care when speaking about grades. Too much emphasis on the negative can turn students off. But if the sense "boy, this teacher really cares about my success", theyll be apt to listen and follow the suggestions given. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Marianne: Comprison of first day to last day analysis can be quite useful, both for future classes, and as a measure of the teachers performance with that specfic class. I don 't think it's always needed for every class every time, just when there is some question about at what level these students are currently performing at. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Marianne: I believe we all have a natural personality that be honed to deliver course content in an effective manner. Everyone's version will a bit different. But we all can be honest and sincere, striving to be accurate and comprehensive, interesting, and making the class an enjoable learning experience. Students sense when someone is being sincere, and when they're being artificial. So, trying to be a commedian, or austere, or "in control", these tring-to-be's only gets in the way of the message the teacher wants to convey. So, being natural, calm and relaxed, letting the class flow and experiencing… >>>