Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Candace, Yes. Also, discussion, pair-share, student-led presentations. Things like this get students involved and almost guarantees engagement, and therefore, better student learning outcomes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Ana, Yes, different learning styles can make a diiference in our planned delivery. A good set of instructional back up plans targeted to reach out to different styles can end up making the difference between a student grasping all that is required and just marginally making it successfully. More hands on and student-led activities will almost always yield better student outcomes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Gerardo, Sounds good. Sometimes just standing next to students who seems distinterested is all that's needed. I also think asking questions is a great way to reengage a student. Sometimes a group of students will appear distracted or not interested. In that case, a change up, changing to a whole different topic or a different way of presenting the material can help reengage when there is distraction. Of course repeated or habitual events will require talking to a student (students) outside of class to reinstill our purpose, focus, and goals for the class - sort of like repeating what you… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Jill, Sometimes a good back up plan can save the day. For instance, when all the computers are down (or the LCD projector). Technical things like the copiers out of whack, computers, overhead - anything electrical, that can create a minor emergency. But a good back up plan that doesn't rely on anything electrical that's low tech, easy to implemment, and related to the topic can fill the period and not waste students time. Maybe a review, a discussion, reading from the text, all simple but useful ways to assist when things go awry. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Liz, You're right, good preparation convey a sense of self confidence. And that can lead to projecting competence to our students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Gerardo, Right. And that different perspective can add to understanding, information, or other variables about the work setting that a single instructor alone could never provide fully. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Debbie, I think any activity that is instructional and beneficial towards student learning, and is fair to all students seems appropriate. Extra credit to compensate for missed assignments or lousy grades is not good because it rarely contributes much to learning and is really only about points and grades, less so on student learning. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Debbie, One thing I try to consider is "why are students not engaged in the first place". My job is to capture attention so I can be effective with my instruction. My answer is usually to break up the session with a variety of activities. Re-engagement is like reattachment. I can reach students when they're attached to my wavelength and flow. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Paul, Reflection is a powerful tool for instructors. The biggest help for me is watching improvements over time. I would normally not be able to keep track of the numerous, day-to-day observations, comments, needs, assessments, etc. that I make about the effectiveness of a class. The journal helps do that for me. Also, when it comes time for annual evaluations, this can help me recall special events or memories that contribute to my evaluation. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Debbie, I agree. We sometimes get into our routines and forget that students are watching us, sometimes our every move. And even subtle mannerisms or inflections can be taken different ways, sometimes in ways we would never had intended. Barry Westling