Barry Westling

Marketa, Great! Variety and frequent change ups in the delivery of instructional material is always received well and helps keep students focused and also contributes to a more interesting class. Barry Westling

Jaime, I believe confidence is realized when competence has been achieved through completion of a comprehensive and well organized instructional curriculum. Barry Westling

Marketa, I believe students have a need to be directed, that is, although they may not necessarily like the assignments, they look to their instructor to guide them. A well organized instructor will build credibilty, and students begin to trust instructors who do their job and are prepared for every assigned class. Barry Westling

Brian, Good sentiment. Anyone in any profession who expects good or great outcomes or performance has to prepare, whether that is rehearsal for a performance, practice on the field, or organizing a lecture or similar instructional session. Expecting anything different is just not realistic. Barry Westling

Jaime, Practical application nearly always adds to the learning experience. Giving student "over the shoulder" supervision and constructive feedback contributes to individualized instruction and learning. Barry Westling

Susan, I think students like stories, and sharing past experiences, situations, or circumstances related to the course of study can be very effective in reconnecting with disengaged students. Barry Westling

David, Great. In any grading system I am always interested that we are measuring learning and understanding, and not providing just a fair grading system (although obviously, any system should always be fair). Points and grades are of little use if students don't understand or have not learned the majority of required material. Barry Westling

Dyana, I prefer to discuss grade and performance status in person with each student, and frequently. I'm saying that is an easy chore given thebtimebit requires, but I believe my connection, advice, suggestions, support and encouragement helps build trust and in turn, respect. Online grade information that offers anytime viewing is good too. But that static information can be made more helpful when accompanied with something personal from their instructor (at least periodically). Barry Westling

Dyana, Right, and it's OK to makes the pretest useful. For instance, I have asked just three questions, and other times I have made 30 question tests that include essay and included key calculations. It varies depending on what we want to know about prior learning so as to better plan how we can convey needed information given the valuable time we have available. Barry Westling

David, Of course, repeated, unwanted behavior can be addressed at break, or before or after class. Sometimes disengaged students require immediate action or the whole class session will be wasted. Simple things like standing next to "chatty" students while lecturing, or asking specific students questions can reengage unfocused or distracting students. Barry Westling