Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Robin, Engagement produces more creative thought, and participation leads to better lesson material retention. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Jessie, You are right! Without engagement, students are just not going to get all they need from the "feed me" method of delivery alone. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Craig, This makes sense. Limiting the points to just one graded component helps keep the integrity of the overall grading system that's in place. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Robin, Good. Sometimes we don't know what we are stronger or weaker at. But a journal does provide a unique method to reflect, ponder, and explore our personal observations and feelings, and perhaps discover traits about ourselves previously unknown. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Ehtisham, Yeah, and students need a strategy. Without regular input or feedback from the instructor, students may drift away from the right course of study and achieving the desired learning outcomes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Salvatore, Great! You've just identified the meat of why pretesting can be beneficial. Wonderful. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Earl, One reason this is true probably has to do with employing multiple senses into the learning plan. Retention and application is always better when students can apply their learning in tangible ways. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Erin, PPT is great, but is but one of many tools. Any craftsman has many tools, and each one is used for a specific purpose. So it is in the instructional process. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Salvatore, You're right, our career instruction just get's them initially on their way, but a thorough education prepares them for both now and in the future. Creating a desire for lifelong learning is truly a wonderful gift we can give our students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Salvatore, Yes, and lack of adequate preparation will produce the opposite -- lower morale, disinterest, and potentially lower student learning outcomes. Barry Westling