Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Ramona, Yes, respect is kind of a two-way street. When we prepare ourselves, are fair, approachable, patient, and kind, students respond in kind. Same is true when these attributes are not present. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Ramona, Also, sometimes students see things that are never available in the classroom, lab, or at the school. These can be very entertaining and motivational too. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Eunice, Right. Getting work returned promptly is courteous and can help more needy students identify where additional work is needed before moving too far ahead. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Eunice, Cool. This is a great example where pretesting can ultimately help you as the instructor to assist your students in a key category needed for success in your class. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Dustin, Sublte humor from a cartoon clip, or an exagerated characterization of an idea can do more in a single clip that many words and explanation can (think political cartoons). I think PPT is a tool, and every tool has it's specific purpose, which does not include overuse. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Josiah, Handling an object while discussing uses mutiple senses and does work to create more lasting and memorable learning experiences. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Michael, Right. I feel like measuring student learning accurately is as important as the delivery of instruction. Although it's not really true, there's an old adage that says "I have not taught if the student has not learned". Obviously there are a lot of variables. But in general, measuring student learning is vital and a needed component to a comprehensive learning system. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Eunice, Sometimes letting the students have more involvement in the class is hard at first. But I've learned that with preparation and structure, this can be more significant and useful to my students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Eunice, Continuous improvement such as you describe is great, and to me, requires an appreciation of the benefits, a commitment to follow through, and a diligence to demonstrate the on-going improvements with each class. In doing so, our classes will achieve better outcomes and more desirable results for our students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Nichole, Sorry you have been having difficulties. This is an unusual problem. I have alerted our technical folks about the difficulty you're experiencing. My memory seems to have it's limits and so as to prevent forgetting some wonderful idea, I jot my notes in a teaching journal for referral at a later time.It's been extremely helpful over the years. Barry Westling