Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

James, Yes, I like to think I'm a facilitator of instruction, and my effectiveness is diminished if I'm having to spend the students time with my readiness. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Jeff, These are true and proven with many past experiences of successful and less so instructors. Besides, although pay is often not the primary factor, we are being paid to be our best, prepared, and ready for each class and instructional session. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Patricia, Learning styles do vary. I have found it a bit difficult to accurately measure these, even with professionally-developed tools. However, no doubt that getting some inside clue about our students can only be helpful to their learning and our understanding of their prior knowledge. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting evaluation methods

Salma, Good! Rubrics help both instructor and student know how (and why) a grade is assessed a certain way. Rubrics are also instructional in that they allow a student to preview the grading process. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Tracy, I like to be able give verbal appreciation and recognition to students regardless if they are doing excellent or marginal. In the latter case, I can give advice and suggestions for improvement. In all cases, the opportunity to encourage and build trust is optimized. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Philip, Perfect! Personal discussion also helps build trust, mutual respect, and improves morale. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Dawn, Great. Sometimes, if we can't get the graded material immediately returned, telling students when it will be graded and returned at least helps reduces some anxiety. If so, it's very important to adhere to the time stated when the tests will be returned. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Adam, Yes, without timely feedback students may flounder, adrift as it were, without clear direction as to how close or distant they are from the measuring points. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Syed, This is true. Even with electronic grading, I like to personalize sharing grades, performance, and progress as often as possible, as I believe this contributes to trust and improved relationship-building. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Bernadette, My main opposition to extra credit is it tends to defeat my purpose, that of student learning. It seems to be more about points and grades rather than learning needed material. Barry Westling