Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Medhin: Yes, and test anxiety isn't the only factor. We want the graded components to be fair, distributed evenly and above all, truly measure the degree of learning that has occurred. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi James: I agree and also fee the more frequent we can share information, even informally, the student will appreciate that all the more; they'll sense "this teacher cares". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Mark: Right. Personality can make the difference of effective vs. ineffective instruction, even if the same information is presented by two different instructors. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Lou: Boy, the time of day you mention does pose a potential challenge. My suggestions are to: * Keep students actively moving around (lab, practice, skills, etc) * Frequently reference the real world or work setting they're being prepared for. * Stimulate their minds to keep them focused; ask questions, have students demonstrate what they know, thing along these lines * Limit any activity to 20 minutes. After that, move to another activity, or at least another media to present the material. This will help keep students focused. * Anything that is lecture oriented has to have flipcharts, PPT,… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi LaurieAnn: This wold be a terrific outcome to attain. I think, simply stated, transfering my knowledge to the student with a skillthat can be applied in theworkplace defines it for me. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Deborah: I like your honest comment. I think we need to be a genuine version of ourselves and we can't be anymore than that on any given day. That's not to say we can't improve. We should pursure continuous improvement. But that requires a commitment; first to try to identify where improvement is needed, then, the harder part, is following through with efforts to make a realisic change that will result in a greater understanding and better person/teacher. A willingness to change is difficult if we want to be sincere about it, and lasting. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Marshall: Having backup methods to teach your class can be invaluable when you experience "one of those days", as we all have had them. For instance, PPT slides by LCD projector can be replaced by PPT slides (as you pointed out); the same information can be printed on overhead transprencies (should the LCD or computer malfunction); you could even have a flipchart with essentially the same information that is on the PPT or overheads in the event the first two mehods weren't avialable. In fact, sometimes I like to add these media just to offer a change of pace.… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Kay: Electronic grading systems are great, aren't they? One thing I would add is these systems can't replace the effect of caring, kind words or encouragement and support by a teacher wanting to see their students attain succssful results in class. It doesn't take much to do this, and student appreciate the sensitivity of te instructor, which contributes to respect and perhaps increased effort by the student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Kay: Movies, stories, examples from thereal world or wrk setting, and similar activities arfe always an interesting and usually enjoable experience that add memorable information to the student. I think it's memorable because students can relate to this kind of information, as if they "already know" the material in a way of speaking. Adding this as the primary focus, or using it to reengage students who may have lost attention or are distracted by whatever is another reason and use oif this helpful technique. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Kay: Yes, we do lead by example, and then some. Competence and confidence in the content delivery go hand in hand, and students will always appreciate the time, effort and planning that the organized, prepared teacher has gone to in order to have a smooth running, well planned class. Regards, Barry