Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Linda, Yes, students need timely feedback in order to measure their progress and also generate plans for improvement. If needed. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Aaron, If students want to demonstrate their knowledge above and beyond what is required, there may be value in that instance. Points to raise a grade is not valuable, in my opinion. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Rachael, Good self observation. We are all hired because of our knowledge gained from life experiences, training, education, and sharing what we know. Keeping classes interesting and involving students with activities that are enjoyable contribute to better instructional session. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting evaluation methods

Dave, Most grades are derived by similar components. In any grading system, we want to make sure we are actually measuring student learning. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Dave, Great techniques. Sometimes subtle works best, other times, more direct attention is needed. If an instructor notices students distracted, other students probably do as well. Therefore, we owe the students who are paying attention the optimal opportunity to learn. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Dave, Variety is always good. One perspective many instructors overlook is selecting what they feel most comfortable with, rather than choosing media that would enhance the learning process of their students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Dave, Students respect and appreciate instructors who appear prepared, organized and ready for class. Tying subjects together smoothly with seamless transitions from one topic to another creates an interesting and professional class setting. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Linda, Good back up plans can save the day when time remains at the end of a prepared lesson. Students like activities and assignments that are interesting, related to the general course or topic, and can be implemented as if that was the plan all along. Busy work that is given merely to fill time will not be embraced favorably by most students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Frank, I believe the sense of smell is very powerful to learning. The best example is detecting a scent that immediately takes one back to a memory long ago. Incorporating all the senses whenever we can can only help the instructional process. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Linda, Yeah, the old saying "tell me and I might forget, but involve me and I'll understand and remember" is very true and applicable to our role as facilitator of career training. Barry Westling