Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Asha, It's interesting how bold some students are to ask questions of quest speakers. Perhaps they feel the guest is sort of anonymous, and so "no holds barred". Also, guest speakers often zero in on areas that, although interesting, may not be emphasized by the regular instructor, therefore, students may get a "value added" learning experience. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

MARISSA, Having an objective based grading system is a good way to assure all students are being assessed accurately and similarly. Essay style questions may be a bit more difficult to grade, but they also allow a student to express their knowledge in thier own individual manner, giving an opportunity to demonstrate whether they know the material or not (or to what degree). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

MARISSA, When students see that their instructor has prepared for the class, getting all materials ready, and a planned list of class activities, it demonstrates the instructor is serious about the class and their instruction. When regularly prepared, students will begin to see that is the routine and they better be just as prepared. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

David, Right. Good instructors understand that correction for lower performance can take time to make-up for. Also, most students need direction that comes from their instructor. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

David, Yes, information about students helps customize their individual learning plans, which usually varies to some degree from class to class. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

David, It's true, authors and instructors have different goals. The author is paid to provide all their is to know about a subject, whereas an instructor must impart the needed knowledge and skills for successful and sustained employment. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

David, Students want and need to feel their instructor is as ready and motivated to teach as they are to learn. Without preparation, a good learning session is not very likely. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Michael, Yes, and this can be motivational, instructional, and encouraging. Students need reassurance their efforts in school will be productive. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Virginia, That's want teaching is all about. I also think that if we have been successful instilling a desire for lifelong learning, we can reflect periodically on the fact that we have actually changed lives for the better. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Susan, Yes, and often stimulates thinking about areas that have not been presented in class. Each speaker or trip offers something different from what could be normally offered in the classroom setting alone. Barry Westling