Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Karen, Good points! For most learners, I think the biggest factor that contributes to attitudes, performance, and cooperation is the degree to which students feel their time and effort is valued, activities are productive and aligned with their program of study, and they feel their instructor has structrued assignments geared to prepare them for real work settings. Reaching out to individual student needs is one good way to assure these measures are met. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Tracy, I agree. Lists like these allow for creative ideas to emerge and outdated activites put to rest. Instruction is a dynamic process, and fun, active learning will always be a better learning envirnonment for students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Jonathan, I think bonus questions are good, especially if they are essay style, as these allow a student to share what they learned apart from a more rigid type of assessment the instructor may create. As long as we are measuring learning, I think that's fine. Too many times, EC is used to bolster grades for students who probably haven't really learned the material assigned or fairly competed with their class mates. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Jonathan, I think of back up plans as a tool to use to avoid wasting the students time. Current and culmulative experience in a given profession are always a valued asset, enabling Q&A to occur seamlessly without much distraction from the focus of the class. I always follow a students question with a statement like "great question" or "interesting question". Usually my response is one of three. I may be able to quickly answer and move on. Or, the answer may take more time, and I'll ask the student to stay after for a thorough response without holding up the… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Sharon, I think there are hundreds of variations to grading. My guiding mission is being fair, strive to measure learning, and be as objective as possible. Rubrics are great, and more thorough ones help both student and instructor define what an appropriate grade is. I shy away from extra credit as this has to do with grades and points, more than the measurement of learning. Personally I feel if material is important to give credit for, it should part of the required curriculum. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Lisa, Senes and media choices kind of go hand in hand. I like You-tube but only if they're very short segments, like 3-5 minutes, just to add a splash of variety and to make a lecture interesting. Students lose interest if it's any longer. Although PPT and Prezi can both provide opportunities for discussion, I reserve Prezi for when I want students write the main points. I'll use PPT when I want to expand on my discussion points and enter into the discussion. "Visualizing" sounds like a great technique. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Tracy, I like that sentiment of "contributor". Job readiness definitely involves knowledge and skills. But I also think, professionism, grooming, speech and writing, and general behavior are factors that not only get the job but also keep the job. If we can provide some of that, we'll have helped our grads in their job pursuits. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Tracy, PPT can be a valuable and important media to portray ideas and essential information to students. And while there are many fabulous features that are user friendly, simple and strightforward will be better tolerated by students subjected to our "wonderful works of art". If we look through the lens of students we might appreciate the beauty and benefits of simplicity. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Dan , Yes, and keeping focus is is valued environment to maintain. I've found even recent grads to be helpful as guest speakers. What they lack in content and experience, they usually make up with enthuisiam, interest, and familiarty with school policies and practices. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Kenneth, I agree, and maintain that frequent and early on sharing of performance is as important as the instruction itself. Needed corrections, advice, assistance, and encouragement can all contribute to steering the student towards an optimal learning experience. Barry Westling