Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Diana, Each instuctor has to decide what works best for them. In a class where there may be several hundred possible points, a couple here or there is not going to really make a difference. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Diana, With planning I think we can achieve a classroom setting where students remain engaged the whole period. Variety is needed, but also upbeat, enthusiastic instructors. And when students feel their instructor cares about their success, they'll tend to give more of their attention and focus. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Diana, Yes, although we may be training individuals for jobs, what we're also potentially doing is making better lives and futures for our students and thier families. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Patricia, Some instructors put their scores in an electronic grade book (there are free, proprietary versions), or just a simple spreadsheet using Excel. In either case, an instructor is able to see at a glance where a given students status is, and can assist in identifying problem areas while there is still time to make corrections. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Janette, Great! As instructors, we wear different hats. One of those is as advisor or counselor, one who shares where weaknesses exist, where exemplary work is recognized, and where an instructor can offer support, encouragement, and advice. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

David, Some institutions have adopted this as an institutional policy, too. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

David, And, based on the information revealed from the results, an instructor can individualize their instruction to form a best fit, and as an aid in planning the overall course. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Patricia, Good example of using multiple senses in the delivery of course content. When students role-play, it requires use of multiple senses, and evidence suggests that when students teach others, they retain more information for longer periods of time. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

David, Providing the skills, knowledge and critical thinking abilities are among the chief goals, because in career schools, we're training for jobs. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Issa, Most students look up to their instructor as a role model. When they see evidence their instructor is not prepared, that diminishes a degree of trust and respect they're willing to give. Barry Westling