Barry Westling

Barry Westling

About me

Activity

Mary, Really, instructor personality is the glue that makes (or limits) lively, enthusiastic presentations that capture attention, and make class interesting and more enjoyable. Every instructor may have their own version but if they seek effective class sessions, striving for an upbeat and informative setting will contribute much to achievement of that goal. Barry Westling
Mary, Right. First and foremost, students expect their instructor will be ready for class with all the resources gathered that will be needed for class. They expect their instructor to be knowledgeable in general, and prepared speciffically for the daily lessons. If these basic expectatations are not met, trust and respect may begin to become diminished over time. Barry Westling
Ardiana, Right. We fulfill our role as educators when besides instruction, we complete the loop with performance assessment, and then inform students and or discuss their progress with them. Barry Westling
Ardiana, Pretesting is a helpful tool, and instructors can use the activity a l,ot of different ways, basically to help them plan their instructional days. Barry Westling
Ardiana, I have to admit my instructor personality and personal, back-side natural self are very different. In role as educator and "commander of the class" I have to try hard to be open, communicate, and take charge when there are behavior needs. But my natural self is very laid back, quiet and pensive, and not wanting attention. I can adapt as needed, and am fully willing to do so. Barry Westling
Lindsey, Many (but not all) get the message when their instructors pauses to silently "imply" they are being a distraction. It's amazing that some just don't get it, and this step would have to be repeated more than one. Speaking to the student (or students) afterwards may help, and is definitely needed. In my syllabus, I put a standard remark about my prerogative to re-seat students for any reason. I have had to resort to that, too. That helps 90% of the time. Even so, there's always some that just don't get it. Barry Westling
Lindsey, I think we're all visual learners, some just prefer or receive visual information in a way that helps them remember. As instructors, we are always trying to get an idea or image into the student's mind eye. With short video's that's accomplished immediately. Interjecting short video's between other activities helps keep classes lively and interesting too. Barry Westling
Mark, Great. Lots of simple ideas in these forums that can aid instructors. I always find individuals writing about something, and sometimes they'll put a little different spin that had not yet been discussed. Barry Westling
Ellen, Right. Reflection can provide immediate personal feedback regarding class effectiveness and also, over time, looking back over comments, that can show something about growth, and sometimes improvement on areas that once were a little weaker. Barry Westling

Caleb, If these ideas works for you, that's great. For me it's about learning, and if a learned topic needs to be assessed, there's little doubt the student either correctly answers it or doesn't. Like math problems, there can be no "abouts", but there must be "exactly". So my biggest issue is good solid A students who work hard to learn the material get offended when they see lesser performing students getting their grade boosted due to EC. That's really not fair to them. But I understand opinions differ and each instructor and institution has to decide on what works… >>>

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