Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Michael, Right, the more frequent the better. And of course, early on and consistently discussed will help students get back on course the best way. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Rebecca, Any thing that promotes learning is probably worthwhile. It just needs to be fair, available to all students, and compromise too much of the overall grade, in my opinion. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Michael, Since every class is a little bit different, it makes sense to determine how this class, at this time, in this session can benefit from what resources and strategies -- some have been used before, others may some trial and error. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Rebecca, Great. I think this would also help students think more about the world around them, and also develop presentation and communication skills. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Wenda, Great approach. by looking at ideas and plans with a critical eye can help spot weak areas as well as identify where more emphasis may be needed. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Rebecca, All students have their preferred learning style. An assessment can be helpful, but also, just observing students and chatting with them can provide insight into what works for them too. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Michael, From an employers standpoint, the expect skills and knowledge to be there, but the outstanding employees are the ones who are effective communicators, show initiative, critical thinkers, and seek ways to make improvements. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Michael, Time is so valuable. Wasted time is the likely result of poor planning and/or disorganized preparation. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Anthony, Lifelong learning and the pursuit of using ones formal education into a pattern of using personal, community, employer, and public resources to achieve that goal. Taking a natural interest in the world around them just makes for better employees and citizens, as well as a creating more abundant, fulfilling life. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Ramondo, Agreed. Giving away points to raise grades without demonstrated knowlege sets up the student for false expectations in the work setting, especially if the EC has been generously distributed. We don't help students by making their grades seem higher than they are. Barry Westling