Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Jacob: Yes, and we sure want the student to feel confidence in our abilities and trust we are competent to teach the class. And that's fairly easy to demonstrate by getting our lesson to gether, gathering needed resources, having a well thought out game plan for the class, and then, be natural and comfortable in our delivery. Students pick up on these attributes - good or bad. And impressions (fair or not) are quickly formed and difficult to change once formed. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Mike: Good points. I'd also add that when we share grades or status we also want to help students understand how they can achieve better results, more than just "here is where you are" without offering some assistance. Also we can use this time to connect personally, offering encoragement, support, showing genuine care and concern for the students efforts (even if doing poorly) and performance. Then give them help and maybe a game plan on how to improve. Together, these actions will reinforce the student's confidence in their teacher and the belief they have the students interest prioritized. Regards,… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Sara: Eager...what a great adjective to describe what all teachers would hope to encounter in all their classes all the time! I love it! Probably not realistic, but your point is true - prepared teachers convey confidence, conduct classes seamlessless with a flow, even with questions or interruptions. However, the teacher does have control over their enthusiasm, enjoyment and mastery of the topic, and creating a learning environment that students look forward to - interesting, exciting, beneficial - therefore, we can inspire and motivate, and I think these are worthwhile challenges to aspire to. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Hi Rich: I can see both sides of the coin in regards to keeping your daily quiz point score low, I presume to reduce the impact of absences on their grade. Since this discussion forum is focused on grading systems, I'll comment that when deciding on the weight of each component, our interest should be "how can I best survey or assess if my students learned the material?". The goal is is providing instruction that leads to appropriate knowledge that can be applied in the workplace. The grading system is simply a measure of that learning. I don't think any… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Mike: I'm sure you've found there can be great diversity in prior learning, academic background, and general knowledge. I can see where your reliance on something after enrollment that helps you find how you can best teach your students is valued. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Mike: For your environment this is a great idea. It sounds like it's like a manual version of PPT "reveal" feature where gradually, point by point is revealed as the instructor progresses through their lesson. I'm done something like that quite a few times. I've thought about taking a photograph of the board as a record of the day's lecture! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Mike: As the designated subject matter expert, we need to be confident in our abilities, and sometimes, have the courage to go forward even if we may feel not totally like an expert. But the student doesn't have to know that. With preparation, we can be enthusiastic, dynamic, and deliberate in our delivery. Sure, there may be weaker traits or attributes that needs improvement, but that doesn't have to interfere with our ability to successfuly lead the class - unless we allow it. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Kimberly: Using senses really just means thinking creatively about alternative ways for students to learn. I mean, we don't to do parlor tricks just so we can sauy we used "tactile stimulation". But many applications, especially dealing with medical, the body, or anatomy are great fodder for creative ways to teach new material to students. And these tend to be more memorable that just some more lecture notes or study cards. Experiment. Don't be afriad that something might not work. That's okay, just modify the next time. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Joseph: Phiosophically sound. More simply, a good back up plan is something we can put into action when all that we have planned is prevented for whatever reason. Something that's relevant, can be implemmented with relatively little preparation, and requires little in regards to technology. A good back up plan will be worth it's weight in gold "when that day-from-hell" arrives! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Joseph: I think it's true that as we become more familiar with ourselves as individuals, that increases confidence, and is conveyed to students as competence and knowledgeable. We become more accepting of opposing viewpoints, and more tolerant of unacceptable or marginal behavior. Overall, we model professionalism and are more open to giving and receiving courtesy and respect to our students. It's really a lifelong jorurney with improved student outcomes as a work-in-progress destination. Regards, Barry