Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Farrell: Prepared teachers demonstrate every day and every class they have spent time, effort, thought, and planning into putting an awesome class together. If not, we should not expect awesome classes - because they're not going to hapen by themselves. A. Einstein said "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result". So if we want a different result, such as a smooth class, with resources and media ready and at hand, prepared and organized, with a terrific outline and lesson, then we're going to have to make it so. Or we we can… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Farrell: Audio is good. I believe all senses can "come alive" if required to do so" by the lesson goal or activity the teacher has chosen. I think all the senses can be trained to "tune in", or become sensitive to the tenets of learning, and that can enhance the learning process. By forcing the student to use their imagination, they can invision many senses they typically take for granted. With practice, these senses can be hightened and applied to study, with improved learning outcomes as a result. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Farrell: Sure, these activities could work. Yet...suppose the VCR or DVD player is non-operational, or anything electronic is unavailable? My sugesstion usually is to have a discussion topic related to the course, something that can be initiated with little preparation, and still has some significance for your students. Other ideas are to practice past lessons or have the students demonstrate their skills to the class. Good back up plns are invaluable when they're called into action! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Gerry: Medicl programs in particular ar great examples to demonstrate why extra credit is a less than wonderful way to earn points. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting evaluation methods

Hi Maria: You've described your class set-up well. When selecting evaluation methods or processes, I think a key question to ask, whatever method is used, is will it measure the learning that should have occured up to that point? And since many students learn differently and at diiferent speeds, this can be a challenge for some classes if we want to be really accurate and fair. No absolute rules here, just the the point careful consideration should be planned, more than just using the "same-old, same-old". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Mary Jane: I think we are capable of recognizing a area needing improvement, but not willing to do anything about it. If we truely want to understand ourselves, we have to be genuinely and sinerely hosest with ourseselves in order to try to get to the root of defects or imperfections that we feel limit us. Only if we are willing to seek improvement will real change occur. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Paul: For me, I have found I continue to mature as a teacher as the years of challenging myself and my students has grown. As I have become more confident in both my content area, I feel more able to try new techniques to assist my students learn. It takes a bit of courage to deviate from what we know works, but it can be worth it if students benefit (believe me, not everything has been a rousing success - I think that why they call it experience). Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Thomas: Whatever gets students to learn is undoubtedly a good idea. Why not have the students read the material and have an understanding, and add that as a required assignment under homework, or projects, or class participation, whatever the category, the point is that if it's important, it ought to be part of the regular curriculum. It's just so clear to me that there's points and grades, and there's student learning. A higher grade doesn't automatically trnslate to a better trained, informed, or knowledgeable student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Thomas: Guest speakers are dynamic and usually very interesting and enjoyable to listen to. Students like them because they're talking about the caree area the students are studying for. It can be inspiring and motivational. One thing you can do is to "prep" the guest by askng them to touch on a specific topic or area you want emphasized, but tell them not to make it obvious, just intertwined in their presentation. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Thomas: Your circulating around the room is a great idea. I know a lot of teachers do this, either to reengage distracted students, or even just as a matter of regular form. I like to think an active lecturer is the wanderer, not the students mind or thoughts. It helps keep attention and students focused on the topic. Regards, Barry