Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Mark: Yes, a simple definition, but fairly accurate in my opinion. We want to be able to transfer what we know to our students who will soon become the next generation of workers. So training them withthe knowledge and skills that will prepare them might b an alternate way of stating "the goal". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Mark: The adaptability part of your post makes a lot of sense and seems very pragmatic. The thing about back up plans is they hve to be useable when what you have planned can't happen for whatever reason. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Mark: I am not an advocate for EC (see my comments to David and Gerry just above your post) for reasons stated. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Andre: Yes, and by putting the focus on the stuent, that may mean chaging what we had planned, adjusing our curriculum, or just doing some things differently in order to accomodate the student leraning. This is a hard activity for many instructors - they are reluctant to let go. In reality, we ought to be facilitating classes, rather than teaching them any way. The more the student learns on their own, the more likely they'll retain and remember the material. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Marshall: Yes, we always want the students to feel we are in control and are directing their actions and learning. Sometimes its a simple job - just asking students questions directly; walking areound the room as your talking; lightly touching the shoulder of a student and asking what do you think? Other times, we need to be more agressive such as changing activities, moving into a discusion period, etc. The main thing is to get student involved in their learning. They'll retain more and it will be more helpful for them in the workplace. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi David: Some teachers feel that delivery is 90% of a course and 10% is content. I don't know that I can go that far, but I can say when delivery is effective, those classes are among the best. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Mary: Very true. Competence and confidence go together. Delivery that comes off as instructive is informative, lively, smooth, enjoyable, and meets the course objectives. Effective delivery makes classes fun and interesting. Less than that...well, we know that's not good. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Gerry: I believe in giving grading criteria at the beginning of a course and, unless very unusual circumstances divctate otherwise, I don't change the "rules" midstream. I believe good students probaby do all assigned work and extra credit work whether they need the points or not. Slackers will depend on extra credit in order to just slip by. Good students will view the extra opportunity given to slackers as special treatment and, possibly consider it unfair. The last thing I want to be accused of is showing favortism or unfairness. If too much "EC" work is allowed, it skews… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi David: Hopefully, teachers consider the effectiveness of their assessments after each administration. Improvement can only occur through analysis. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi Jeremiah: Evaluations should measure the degree of learning. Side benefits of critiquing curriculum, teaching style or effectiveness, or meeting course objectives can also occur. Regards, Barry