Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Rosalyn, The feedback received by students from their instructor is nearly as important as the instruction itself. Students want direction, and for me, personal communication with students is more beneficial than mere electronic grade posts or written emails. I like to establish rapport, and perhaps build trust. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Reece, Yeah, that one on one is cool. I like to convey my interest in the students success, and that we are both working towards the same goal. Support and encouragement with a dose of kindness never hurts, and may help build trust and respect. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Reece, Very practical. That said, I have intentionally paired the weaker student with the stronger one, and in most cases that has worked well. When it didn't, it was more for personality differences more than instructional effectiveness. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Rosalyn, Great. Pretesting, like any tool, is merely one method among many that can assist the instructor provide the best service to their students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Reece, Getting students to think and solve problems is one of the best skills and tools we could ever provide. Slides with information does not assure understanding necessarily. But case scenarios place the student in situations that require them to think things through. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Reece, Good point, we are after all, role models, especially in the career trades. I try to determine what's most important, then, how best to deliver that content. This takes time, effort and planning. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Jamie, Yes, job ready, life ready - that would be ideal. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Imelda, All these are benefits (hopefully the class sessions are not monotonous all the time!). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Jerrod, What is true is EC can challenge students and provide a way to demonstrate their learning above and beyond what has been required. Unfortunately, giving points too often is excessive, and the grade is skewed to the point that it no longer accurately conveys the learning that occurred. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Imelda, EC can be a boost but can also be used inappropriately by assigning too much weight and skewing grades. Barry Westling