Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Robert, And, students expect this from us, even if they are not on that same level of preparation. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Rochelle, Yes, students know and can sense when their instructor is prepared -- and it does make a difference in the flow of lesson material provided. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Victor, Also, instructor feedback can be received in discussing grade information. This can assist determining how well the class material is being understood and retained by students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Sean, Great - this is pretty much why taking the time for pretesting is worthwhile. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Victor, Often, our idea of appropriateness and that of the students will differ. I use program, student and course learning outcomes to base what content needs to be given. The more challenging activity is choosing how and what resources I'll need to achieve these outcomes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Victor, When students feel they can approach and freely interact with their instructor, one major barrier has just been removed. Patience, kindness, and tolerance are traits most any instructor can adopt. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Victor, Instructors usually have a plan how they want the class to go. But when student needs occur, there needs to be methods to address individuality; student-centered (vs. instructor-centered). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Terri, These are very good reasons. There is a common pitfall (usually with newer instructors) that once information has been presented that students should be able to immediately understand, and in reality, that's rarely the case. Instructors need feedback as much as the students do. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Edie, Early feedback on progress made to date can be a lifesaver for some students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Edie, Great sentiment. A good analogy is the parent/child relationship. We want the best for our kids, and would do most anything if they needed help. Yet, we can't baby them along. I think patience, kindness, encouragement, approachability, and willingness to go the extra mile if needed are traits that students appreciate and produce mutual trust and respect. Barry Westling