Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Christie, I like pretesting for the purpose of planning my time. I don't always do a pretest, mainly when I feel I need to zone in on the student's prior learning. Sometimes pretests are very brief, just enough so I know how and what to plan for. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Christie, I agree. Lifelong learning is an admiral task to take on, impart, and see the fruition of in student successfulness. For the small amount of time they are with us, we have the capabilities of doing so much, potentially, for positive changes in their lives. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Christie, Yes, and students both appreciate and benefit from the creative time and effort instructors put into their classes. Yes there are results, but in human terms, there can be life changes! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Melinda, Right. Our instruction is a big part of the students education, but so is informing the students about their progress, suggestions for improving, and identifying where there may be weak areas. As I frequently comment, I like to also use this time to offer support and encouragement. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Robert, Yeah, it's important to discuss grades early on and frequently enough so that there is time to make adjustments and or improvements in the study methods, testings, or wherever the lower scores are pointing to. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Ken, Of course I keep grade information between myself and the student. However, if they choose to share information with each other, that's up to them. Mainly sharing grade and performance information gives a plan for where the student is and where (and what) improvement might be needed. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Melinda, Yeah, pretesting can be a cool instructor assist in planning to emphasize (or de-emphasize) certain topics based on prior learning. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Robert, Good analogy. I would add that with SWOT, it may be determined that certain topics would not be taught, but in our classes, we usually have a prescribed curriculum with material that must be covered. That said, you're right, planning classes requires using strategies that assist student learn best, given their prior learning. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Melinda, Enthusiasm is a hard attribute not to be drawn into. Students love instructors who are passionate - it makes classes so much more interesting and enjoyable. Perhaps some of that is rubbed off on students who "pass it along". Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Robert, Nice poetic way of stating your response. A career is like a journey and in a way is always developing. If we can get students to be critical thinkers then we will have helped them not only get started but helped them in every job they obtain, and even in their personal lives. Barry Westling