Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Charles, Yeah, we all have had unpredictable days like this, just underscoring the need to have good backup plans. And they don't have to go to waste; sometimes what I've planned as back up was substituted for the regular lesson, and the plan is always received well. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Charles, Great. It's good to hear participants feel they are receiving benefit from these modules. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Krista, A pretest may help in this kind of situation. Probably more important is to have the instructor's willingness to modify their instructional plan in order to meet the needs of the students -- not all are so willing. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Krista, Students like and appreciate variety. Interesting classes are ones that will be memorable. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Krista, Great. Also, student outcomes are likely to be better as well. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Krista, Right. Concurrent grade information supports forward motion and encouragement to students try their best. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Samara, Interesting strategy--creative and apparently effective. What I like is the opportunity is given once only, and is offered early on in the term. And for those that do attempt whatever the assignment is, it's likely to have merit. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Samara, Great! When we can get students to actively participate in lesson matters, that's usually a good thing, even if they get off task a bit. To me, that's a part of the creative, thinking, opinion aspect of learning. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Cenek, Yes, sharing grade information is a vital map for students to acquire feedback. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Charlotte, Many classes have students with varying degrees of readiness for the specific course content. The pretest is one method available to assess where the class as a whole stands, and allows the instructor to make needed adjustments, as applicable. Barry Westling