Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Dale: Not every teacher uses (or may not be aware) of the benefits pretesting can offer. It does help plan, and gives sytudents a little insight into the class that's coming up too. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Mirann: Yes, repitition is very important especially in skill-oriented programs. I notice that for CPR, for instance, students read, watch, review, thaen practice. Finnaly they demonstrate their competence. The first ones get most of the comments about improvements, then they seem to taper off until the final students, who've viewed a whole class practice and receive feedback, until, now they now all the tips and things to look out for. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Mariann: Good. Most courses ask the students to perform some version of a mid or end of course assessment that should address how the teacher performed (or not), and possibly areas that could be improved. Anything negative should be viewed for consideration, validity, and a possible source of an area needing improvement. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Judith: Well of couse I was writing the comment somewhat is jest to make a point. But still it would be important to consider these and other attributes that make the learning environment intersting and infromative for students, and make them feel like we are there for for them. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Shannon: Literally taking a stretch break is a very effective method to break up the "stagnant atmosphere" some classes slump into. If you're lecturing, asking a few questions breaks it up a bit, and visaversa. If you're showing a PPT, go to the white board. These change-up call attention to the students in way like "hey, something different is going on here". Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Sharon: I agree it's possible to lead by example as long as the "leader" is organized and knowledgeable. I know several contemporaries who could, on a moments notice, report to a classroom and speak for 2-3 hours on a topic related to my profession - and would dazzle the students with the information they presented. Nada on preparation (except maybe the years, education, and experience that preceded the speech)with well organized thoughts, sequential points, amazing vocabulary, and be ready to do it again an hour later. Exceptional? Perhaps. I certainly don't want to convey or advocate that's the way… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Bethanne Great! Case studies are an excellent way to assess prior student knowledge. Regardless what they're "supposed" to know, here is the acid test for what they can recall. And the emphasis on critical thinking opportunity is huge! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Chanel: I agree with all of your points. We always want to also take the opportunity to encourage and offer assistance so students will feel like we care. That's a big part of gaining respect and also for students following our advice. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Chanel: Great point, and besides helping the teacher know their student's prior learning, we can plan and tweak to meet them "where we find them". Students's usually like taking a test if they know it's not graded, too. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Chanel: Skills training is a form of education. I guess the distintion lies with "knowledge", that can be applied in many different and varied instances, where "training" implies correctly performing a set of skills, and is bit more limiting. So, maybe it's a subtle point, but I believe there is a distinction. In any case we want our students to be educated to fullest level possible. Regards, Barry