Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Sharita, I believe we can assist our students by gaining some insight into their prior learning. It can potentially save the instructor time as well. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Sharita, I agree, competence and confidence go hand in hand. Students want and expect their instructors to be prepared, and ready for class (even if they are not). We are in control of the class, and that includes adequate preparation and providing an organized learning setting. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Shelby, Weekly progress is awesome. For me, personalized meeting with student helps convey my interest in their success, along with individualized suggestions for improvement. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Jeffery, Yeah, some students will remain adrift without focused, directed, and informative advice, suggestions, and update of their status. In general, most every students wants to know and probably appreciates the information their instructor gives. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Joseph, I think each has to decide what works best -- there are differing opinions whether there is merit in giving extra credit. There's not really a right or wrong answer. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Shelby, Yup, that's the best reason to take the time to plan the pretest! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Joseph, Good back up plans are much like what you do. They allow flexibility for the instructor, and in many cases, can provide a seamless transition from one activity to another (often without the students even being aware that wasn't the plan all along). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Shelby, Yeah, Prezi is cool. Often many topics have multiple components to them, and PPT is limited to a linear format, whereas Prezi allows exploring a topic, and sub-topics to a much more flow of presentation, and also how much and to what degree the instructor chooses to focus on one segment. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Joseph, Upbeat, lively instructional sessions are difficult for students not to just get caught up in the excitement (the same is true for dull, uninteresting discussions -- we'll lose students attention). When sincere, honest passion can be so inspiring. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Larry, Great. Relating non-technical material to career students is often a challenge. I don't know how many times I've heard "what's this have to do with my profession". A good key (as you've described) is to try to make it relatable to their course of study. Barry Westling