Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Kizzy, Many instructor share this exact sentiment. Work for, and earn your grade. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Glenn, Wonderful, and great example for the beneficial use of the pretest. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Kizzy, Good advice. I believe laying out my expectations at the beginning of the course, and at that time, asking what else I can do, helps put everyone on the same page with respect to what I plan to do and what the student's participation is. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Glenn, Students enroll in programs, usually to get a job. Of course they need the knowledge and skills, but also communication, dress and grooming, and good writing skills make for better employees. Any way we can add some of these traits probably help. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Glenn, As a student, if I saw a frazzled, disorganized instructor try to fake it, or scramble about before class getting ready, I would be disappointed, and maybe feel some credibilty lost towards the instructor. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Tracey, I think students want and need direction, so taking time to share grade information, give advice and suggestions, and support and encouragement is nearly always appreciated, even when the news is less than wonderful. Giving personal attention also helps build trust and mutual respect. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Tracey, Student groups is a great way to encourage participation while instilling course information in a non-threatening manner, and involving students in their own learning. In this setting, the instructor is really only facilitating instruction, not "dishing it out". Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Kizzy, Great. The use of multiple senses in the classroom enhances the learning experince. Being creative with each segment of instruction can provide opportunities for incorporating more senses, more often (such as you describe). Repetition, although not really a sense, can be a powerful way to cement concepts, facts, or other key information in to the long term memory banks. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Tracey, Media is a tool that really has to be right sized for the circumstances, such as size, topic, resources, time available, etc. in the best case, it will add to the learning experience, and of course, that's our goal. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Kizzy, Yes, students will view their instructor's degree of preparation as th Barry Westling