Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Jon (Jack), I believe respect is an earned sentiment, and certainly solid preparation and giving students a full complement of effort, planning, and time is a reasonable and usually expected charactistic our employers require. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Todd, Yes, and needing extra credit sort of underscores why I am generally against giving it -- artificially raising a grade. I want to help and assist my students do their best and yet I cannot see merit in rewarding sub-optimal work when the student has not legitimtely earned it. Each instructor has to decide what works for them. For me, I choose not to go down that road. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Linda, Great. Always glad to hear positive feedback about useful and practical information class participants are able to apply in their current classes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

cory, I feel too often extra credit is sought after for points or to improve a grade. I'm not supportive of that. However if students seek extra credit to add to or excelerate their learning, I am more than will to ofer it, not for points that will impact their grade but to enhance their learning. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

cory, Sounds fun! Creating interesting slides that have an underlying message just makes delivery of needed material more enjoyable. These are the memories and classes that students recall later on. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

cory, Yeah, it's all about the students and their learning. Some do well with preplanned, by-the-book style instructional delivery. But many others need special attention to address their individual needs. Less experienced instructors are not sensitive to individual needs. But with time the value and benefit of working with students more personally is usually realized. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Tim, Great. Whenever an instructor is able to tailor their time, focus, or attention to individual students, they are providing a student-centered purpose. It's hard to imagine how a student coun't benefit from this extra layer of treatment. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Dustin, Right, easier and helpful for planning purposes. Why spend time on material that is not needed? Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Nichole, Great response. I think this spells out clearly what our role and mission in educating our students is all about. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Ramona, Great! The trick is to find that energy and passion to consistently exert that effort into the classroom every day all the time. Much of what we do involves a certain amount of theatrics anyway. But what I know is when I exhibit lively, upbeat classes, that draws students into that positive energy. Barry Westling