Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Caleb, I thought Math for Health Sciences for years. And math applications are abundant in my profession to the degree its professional topics are really just applied math principles. My observation is unless people use material they learn in a class (such as in high school or even grammar school), they won't have a daily, regular application to retain the principles and operations, so the information goes stagnant. I try to use every day examples whenever possible, that helps a little. But if I know for sure my students will absoultely have to know...XYZ before leaving my class, a pretest… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Caleb, Sounds great. I like to use the sense of of smell to demonstrate the power of senses. We've all probably smelled something that instantly brought to mind a memory from the past, sometimes, way in the past. Wow, now that's retention!. And it goes to show how senses in learning can be a great asset. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Caleb, I wholly agree. I feel field trips can be so motivational, it can inspire even marginal students to begin to buckle down and I've seen positive changes in attitude and class performance as the result of the effects a field trip provided. It's also great when students see firsthand some aspect they've only read or heard about in school. It can help reinforce the credibility of an in structor as well. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Ricardo, Passion is a trait that's hard to beat. It can create an upward flow that just draws students into the environment. With your organizational flow you're now using, your students should really feel like they're getting their money's worth. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Ricardo, Really, just taking time to plan, gather resources, and make sure all is ready for class (including instructor readiness) is all it takes. Sometimes that's saying a lot, but that's what we're paid to do, and students expect (and deserve) no less. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Gerardo, Field trips are really awesome, and I don't think I've ever had a student complain they felt the time was wasted. The degree of motivation and inspiration can be quite amazing. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Christine, This is another great reason to do pretesting. I always like to point out that pretesting doesn't have to be a comprehensive examination or activity. It could be just a few questions to determine what prior learning in a particular category might be useful. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Robert, I like the idea of exposing students. That term suggests that students will have an opportunity to do well or just mediocre in their studies. When we create opportunities, there will always be students that take advantage and seize that opportunity! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Alexcia, I wish all instructors could realize they are professional educators and assume that role in all situations. For some reason, some instructors think they can come unprepared and expect students to have respect and trust. Although an occasional day where things are slightly off is part of life, more than a couple of days and the instructor is creating a pattern, a habit of sorts. Students may not say anything, but they most certainly notice. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Christie, I think trust and respect are also possibilities when an instructor demonstrates care, interest, and offers suggestions, advice, support and encouragement. Barry Westling