Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Angela, Electronic grading has definitely improved access to grades. Still, the interpersonal "touch" given by sharing grade and advice by a caring, kind, and interested instructor goes a long ways to building morale, trust, and credibility. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Kelvin, Usually it's used not "learn points", but to give away points from easy assignments that affect grades (but usually contribute little to learning). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Robert, I agree we want to be accurate with our grading, and the goal should be to measure learning. EC kind of skews things. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Robert, Pretty much in any category or type of class, prior knowledge of a students past learning is a helpful tool. Pretesting is one (of many ways) of achieving that. I'll sometimes pretest, then do the same test at the end of a course to demonstrate just how far students have come. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Angela, I think if we keep the focus on how students will or can benefit from the information we are providing, they'll be more likely to pay attention. It's a version of "what's in it for me". Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Kelvin, Sometimes students need just a little nudging to keep them on track. Asking questions, or even just standing next to them can break their distraction. Other times more significant change ups are needed (taking a break, changing activities, changing environments). Stories are always a good way to get student refocused. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Gordon, Students usually appreciate our creative flow when selection media. The variety helps make classes more interesting and enjoyable. And breaking up the class into segments helps keep students engaged and participating, as well as potentially improving retention of key information. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Dona, Planning is key to successful preparation. Absent a plan, who could hope for a positive outcome. Readiness favors the prepared. An outline is a terrific way to assist with planning. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Kelvin, Yes, and a good example of that is from our own past educational experiences where we've had someone who we really connected with, felt their assistance, and developed a great relationship with them. When we care, we convey our desire for student success. There are dozens of ways to demonstrate that, and each instructor will have their own, unique version. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Angela, Yes, and of course, one important result is that our students get the full measure of the lesson material that was planned for the class. Winging it, or trying to deliver without preparation is way less than optimal, and rarely ends with good results. Barry Westling