Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Nancy, Sometimes students get momentarily distracted, and just need a nudge. Asking questions, requesting to summarize the past five minutes, or other similar participative strategies will often do the trick. Other times, whole change ups may be needed to refocus the class. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Nancy, I want measure learning. Integrating many different kinds of assessments to determine the degree of understanding a student has achieved seems like a very reasonable (and fair) approach. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Nancy, Great! For me, it just seems to take little extra effort to pay attention to student needs, cater to their individuality, and see better results than to always insist on conforming to my way. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Colette, Students want to be led. They need and want direction. I believe we need to portray an authentic and sincere version of ourselves. Some have said to think about someone you consider successful and emulate their persona. I have to disagree. When students see a genuine version of a personable, approachable and patient instructor, they're more likely to trust and listen to their instructor. Sincerity fosters trust. And while it's true we sometimes have to a bit commanding, we can also convey a natural interest in our students, allow an appropriate amount of humor, and as a result, generate… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Colette, Very true. With so much adjustment to the career college arena, often with chaos in the backside of their lives, students need all we can do to assist them in achieving their career goals. To arrive at a class unprepared is just plain unsatisfactory, with few exceptions. Our instructional role requires the time and effort in the planning of each day -- delivered with an interesting and upbeat tone, and with passion and enthusiasm. In my opinion, that's the least we can do. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Amanda, Good point. For instance, I don't favor extra credit. However, I'll add a bonus question to a test, usually in the form of an essay question, that allows a student the option of just spewing out all they can (accurately) cite about the topic. These meager bonus points are added on top of the total points for the exam. Also, I'll usually drop the lowest scoring quiz. Bot these measure provide a degree of "adjustment", without skewing the overall grades that much. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Lea-Anne, This could be a good strategy in some cases. I think students want (and need) direction. Too much indecision by the instructor that allows students to determine how and what will occur in a class could result in less respect and trust from the students regarding the instructors competence. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

James, Text can be necessary at times. But with PPT slides, I always have to ask "what's on the slide that could be provided by some other (better) method?" More and more, I use brief statements on PPT slides that guide me through a lecture. Additional slides that accompany my text are usually more of the graphic sort. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Baneet, Making class interesting is a great skill set to possess as an instructor. When students feel they can approach their instructor, and receive a patient, courteous response, that's a much more desirable learning environment. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Lea-Anne, Great! Many students share this hoped for outcome. If the skills, knowledge, and personal behavior to be successful on the job is provided within the scope of the course, that'd be the biggest help we could give them for their desired outcome. Barry Westling