Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Mariann: Facility orientation, policy, procedures, these are all good examples of activities that can be refered back to. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Deborah: When student can demonstrate adequre mastery of required material, EC is okay, as long as it represents only a small part of the grade. Grade inflation, grade distortion, fairness, subjectivity, and lowered grading standards are the results of too much extra credit applied or allowed in a class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Timothy: I think frequent sharing of grades is important for several reasons. There's the academic purpose, which gives students up to date information regarding assignment, paper, lab, attendance, test and quiz points. We can also use the time to try to relate to the student in a more "advisor" sense; listening for what their difficulties are, opinions about the class, and even things going on outside of class in their lives. We can encourage, support, offer assistance, give advice and suggestions, and in doing so, demonstrate that we care about their success - both in class and in their… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Timothy: Lab projects are numerous, can be as varied as the imagination will allow, and almost always keep the students interested. I feel most classes can always benefit by giving their students more "practice" time, so, whether it's reengaging or planned as part of the class, lab activity is most always a winner activity. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Christina: Media is really just a collection of activities that an instructor chooses because they feel that's the best way to present the information so the students can learn the material in the most complete and efficient manner. So really, the choices are many. I think variety, student involvement, discussion, and practice are key methods that contribute to better student outcomes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Christina: Yes, frustrating, and a loss of interest and respect for the teacher. We can gain trust and attention of our students by being prepared, organized and ready to teach each assigned class day. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Mariann: As learners, the more information students have regarding a beginning activity, the better they will be able to intelligently participate, or at least not be totally in the dark about what the discussion involeves. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Hi Penelope: You've got the mechanics down - that's good. A question might be is the the breakdown of various components and assignment weights appropriate? Maybe they once were, but are they still? I find what was working great a couple of years ago begins to lose relevance over time. At any rate, we do want to make sure that what we're assessing adequately mesaures the learning that occured. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Penelope: This is a good idea. Keeps them busy usining technologybthey're familiar with and related to course content. Easy to implemment, too. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Penelope: Good idea, for those classes have have access to the internet and LCD projector. I think students get off track because their intesest has faded, they're tired, the delivery is uninteresting, or they're distracted. To counteract, we need to first identify why, then focus on reversing. For instance, if they're not interested, do someting that piques their interest - relate the material to the workforce, change delivery styles, take a stretch break, or perhaps, tell an interesting story that brings them back to attention. Regards, Barry