Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Cheryl: I think both of these activities can be highly motivational, and even inspirational, depending on the location or individual presenting. These are unique teaching activities that probably could be conducted more often (in general). Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Kevin: Right! No suprises. Responsible, frequent, and useful suggestions for improvement will be well received even by students who may not be doing so well. If we communicate clearly, there should enough time to "catch-up", especially if the students are open to our suggestions. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Brian: All students deserve the full measure of instruction they've paid for. I agree that being rushed increases the chance of not enough emphasis or missed information. Preparedness tends to prevent these snafu's. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Brian: I think we can help students to a degree. Besides grades and/or points, we can be an ecouragement which will motivate the student - and I think that motivation from within is more powerful in getting a student modify their study habits than any advice I can give. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Joan: I agree: Having a willingness to recognize weaker areas and, more importantly, work on improving them is a sign of a good instructor/ leader. I find observing and learning from other teachers and peers can help a lot for me personally. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Joan: If we have appropriate Student Learning Outcomes (SLO's), course and lesson objectives, then selection of media is mostly based on what resorces we have available to us and deciding which will achieve the objectives the best, given the time and learning environment we have to use. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Joan: Yes, the benefit is to the instructor in order to fine tune their curriculum to better match their students level. Students usually don't mind either because (typically) they are not graded for taking a pre-test. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Annette: One way to express the importance of preparedness is being ready, as you say, ready for the lesson, quesions, interruptions, delays, students needing more time, re-explanations, etc. "Making a hit to outfieled on a curve ball" shows the students you're ready for whatever circumstance you encounter. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Joan: Sure, good points.No one likes surprises and we can avoid common misunderstandings, and also clarify or restate expectations that will lead to success. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Jennifer: Yes! We can be that "force" to rightly motivate and encourage, and in fact, create an environment for learning that students will grow to expect good outcomes because of the efforts we give in our classes. Regards, Barry