Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Justice: Yes, and there are other uses too. Some previous post illuminate on that. Perhaps the most beneficial is understanding where small adjustments in the planned course may be needed in order to meet the needs of this specific cohort of students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Justice: My (shortened) defintion is "Transfering our expert knowledge to hopeful students in a meaningful manner that can be applied in some career, technical, or professional work setting. Our goal is teaching. Students hope to learn. Our challenge is to try to make these two elements combine for a successul "new compound". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Nicole: Yes, absolutely! Frequent sharing of grades and general performance is essential, and the more personal we can make that sharing time, the stronger we can make the relationship between teacher and student. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Nicole: There are numerous reasons for pretesting, and you've described on very good way to use it. We can aslo assess where student are performaing at the very beginning of a new class, gather information to understand trends, provide a prelude of "coming attractions", and maybe most importantly, understand where we might have to tweak our curriculum to better meet the needs of one particular cohort of students vs. previous or future students takiung the same calss. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Nicole: Sometimes I think about the difference in behavior vs. personality. We are all unique, and that diversity makes for a better variety of teaching styles and learning experiences for our students. We can probably modify our personality to some degree to fit a spoecific teaching activity if needed. But I think, in general, if we are natural, genuine, and honest, we will portray the best in us, and students will appreciate the patience and tolerance that emerges from that, and also respect us for the skillful knowledge we henerously provide our students, delivered in our own spoecial way.… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Cara: All of us involved in teaching can better relate to our students as we approach a better understanding of ourselves. We have blind spots that usually require help in identifying, and then a willingness to change. Both can be difficult tasks, depending. Peer reviews, callroom observations, self-analysis and self assessment, student crituiques, supervisory comments and observations, even trusted friends who we know will give us honest feed back are methods to identify trends that reflect on areas that may need improvement. The harder part is addressing the areas needing improvement. I believe that unless one sincerely wants to… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Nicole: Field trips and guest speakers are like a vlaue-added activity. It can really inspire, and motivate some students to try harder to be successfull. It's really an underused activity that students can benefit from and usually appreciate. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Tami: Good thought. I think when we're student centered we are shifting away from focusing on "our teaching" to the students "learning". Anything that moves in that direction helps, such as adjusting our approach, tweaking curriculum, or just listening to students to understand where they are coming from, then trying our best to assist their understanding. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Julie: Setting the tone, especially on the first day, can create the environment the teacher wants and the students should expect right from the get-go. I think it true if the teacher isn't prepared, how can we can expect the student to be so? A well planned first day (or any day, really) creates a model of expectations, with all needed resources ready, and each activity seamlessly moving from part to part. Students will appreciate the time and effort the teacher puts into class preparation and amy induce them to reciprocate in kind. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Anne: Scheduling specific activities based on the time of day is an important consideration. The natural "circadian clocks" most students operate around varies but is mostly during daylight hours. Students who work full time and attempt evening classes probably have the biggest challenge, as do their instructors who seek motivated, participative students. Techniques that work best in just about any class involve earlier testing, creative activites (writing, lecturing), ending with discussion or lab (if applicable). If there's lab, the physical movement seems best planned at the last of the day. Regards, Barry