Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Romana, Peer assessment is another method that is useful, for both didactic, lab, and clinical skill set evaluation. I find students are often a bit more critical than their instructor might be. Also, giving students the latitude to "grade" one another provides individual strengthening of their own knowledge and performance. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Romana, Instructors who regularly use a pretest in their classes find what you describe to be consistently applicable. And what better way to gauge a specific class's dynamic than the class itself! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Toni, My journals help me remember material that comes to me "in the moment". So much can be lost if ideas that we stumble on don't get recorded somehow. The journal has been the vehicle for me over the years. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Romana, The thing about respect is that once it's lost (or diminished), it's very hard to ever reach that same higher level as before. There's no guarantee that respect will be present, but without preparation, it's pretty well a fact that loss of respect is likely to occur. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Romana, Order and structure provides comfort, ease, and conveys a better environment for learning. This can't happen without the requisite planning that will achieve the desired outcomes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Eric, Yeah, it's been said "failure to prepare is preparing to fail". Perhaps not totally true, but students expect the most from us, and that just can't happen without attention and effort. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Wanda, This is true. Our authentic self is best, and we all have our version of enthusiasm, approachability, patience, courtesy, and humor, etc. when it's given with sincerity students are most likely to accept it. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Arlene, More often than not, we are hired because of our experience, something that no textbook or instructional resource can replace. Imparting that knowledge and steering students to the appropriate applications can definitely be something to be proud of. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Arlene, Great. And I think when students feel we care about their success (in part through our preparation and effort), they'll be more willing to accept more assignments and graded activities with the knowledge (perception) we have their interests at heart. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Paul, This is a good sentiment. I also think we sometimes fall into a pattern of "this is how we're going to do it", rather than "how can I best convey needed information to these students, at this time, in this specific class, given their uniquenesses, readiness and diversity". Barry Westling