Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Joseph, I have been teaching a long time. But I stay current by visiting the sites where my students are in clinical training, talking with their preceptors, conducting 2-3 advisory committee meetings each year, reading current journals, and attending continuing education seminars, conferences, and webinars. I also stay active in our state and national professional organizations. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Joseph, Right. We need to portray that we are genuine and sincere to be trusted and believable. Some artificial version of someone we are not will not achieve the hoped for outcome. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

VALERIE, We want student's to achieve their best, and we are the ones who can best guide students with advice, suggestions, and recognition for good or exemplary work. This helps build trust and mutual respect too. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

VALERIE, These are both good resources to use when the need presents. Student's want to feel their instructor is in charge, and if extra time occurs, being able to seamless transition from the planned to the unplanned creates that appearance of one continuous instructional segment. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Ellen, Students like instructors who are natural, genuine versions of themselves. That doesn't mean we can't be enthusiastic, upbeat and passionate about our topics. Don't we want our students to be excited about their learning? Of course we do, and we can model that behavior in our own authentic manner. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Scott, Yes, and there is only so much time in a particular class. Falling too far behind before corrections are made may too late to make a significant difference in a grade. But more important than a grade is the student learning, and sharing grade and performance status frequently and early on is one to assure students are informed. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Sandy, Yes, with some sort of feedback, students will not have have clarity regarding where and to put their study efforts. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Nicole, Clear instructions about when, how, and other criteria are important with an assignment like this. I've had students make accusations implying being unfair, and good students who do all their work can be offended when too much leniency is given, so I tread softy with EC. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Nicole, Yes, offering a simple assessment before a class begins can help identify whole areas the class may need extra attention, while also areas that may not as much emphasis. It doesn't have to be comprehensive, but just enough to assist the instructor with planning. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Terry, Students need expectations. And I believe they want direction, even if they don't always seem like they might. Order and clarity helps keep classes flowing, and being prepared helps with providing order. Barry Westling