Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Debra: For me, I have 30+ years teaching experience and I still have my original to current lesson plan books. I look through them occasionally. Once in a while, I remember I jotted down something in the past lesson planner and I'll retrieve it. Any resource that helps is worthwhile, eh? Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Eric: Yes, pretests are helpful and beneficial, mostly to the teacher in planning and adjusting the class to best meet the students need. They don't have to be done for every class - it's just a tool that can implemmented for some classes when it's deemed appropriate. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Eric: I agree with you. When the class appears orderly and organized it sets a tone that the class and the material to be covered is important and the students will need to pay attention and take it seriously. Too rigid can alienate students. But there's no reason we can't provide an organized class, and be approachable, friendly and helpful, patient, couteous, and giving (and receiving) respect. If students feel we care about their success, they will pay attention and follow the rules of the class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Eric: I think valuing their education is a very personal thing. Maybe we can teach that, I'm not sure. However I do believe we can provide the knowledge they need and it's application to the work or profession they've chosen to study. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Laquita: Many teachers approve of extra credit; just as many are opposed to it altogether. It's kind of a controversial topic. Generally, I think it's use should be limited, at least in awarding credit for it. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

James: I do something similar, simply writing post-it notes in the curriculum binder to jog my memory next time the class is taught. When the binder gets updated, I evaluate whether to permanently add this or not. Sometimes there's topical information that's relevant for a time, but loses it's significance, so I'll toss it. You're right about classes being dynamic - each one just a bit different. We need to be flexible in our delivery and choice of content. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

James: Off topic for a moment, adding critical thinking questions is great because one of the ways students learn to think critically is by practicing and actually doing it. Extra credit rewards the slakers in my opinion and devalues your grading system. A bonus question, curve grading, or weighted answers make more sense than to give extra points when required work was not done, or done poorly. If it's important to the course, it should be added to the required, graded material, which is fair and equal for all. As you point out, better performing students will not appreciate knowing… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi James: This is great! When we relate course information to current topics or events that students are interested in, they'll associate that information with the course information. Great memory technique. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Gerard: Great. Electronic grading helps provide current grade information. As you point though, it doesn't (and shouldn't) substitute for personal communication. That connection allows us to offer advices, assistance, along with encouragement and confidence. There needs to be some way to help students know not just what their grades are but how to improve them. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Gerard: Because the course objectives are not going to change, it makes sense that if an instructor wanted to put more emphasis on one or more areas, performing a pretest can benefit the teacher in makking those fine tuning adjustments. Regards, Barry