Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Sherry, Of course, students value their time especially when they consider they are paying for that time to be helpful to them in some future job setting. Keeping the tonme of the class focused on the eventual outcome helps keep student engaged and participating. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Stacy, Students are perceptive about most everything an instructor does, perhaps because we are in front of them as the class facilitator most of the time. As you imply, our role, actions, and behavior are key to demonstrate our professionalism, preparedness, and degree of organization. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Holli, Absolutely correct. I believe students can be more motivated and enthused by involvement with field trips and guest speakers, as much as nearly any other class activity. I think partially because the students begin to realize they'll soon be out in the work setting. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Frank, Many instructors do exactly as you've described. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Frank, Great! When students feel comfortable, they are bound to hear and receive course material in a welcomed manner. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Frank, Some instructors use recent grads, fellow instructors, or even administrative staff to serve as surrogate guest speakers. Graduates, although limited in work experience, are always filled with lots of enthusiasm, and are also familiar with the college and it's practices. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Jan, Great. And I always feel like this kind of activity tends to put everyone on the same side, that is, we're all here for the same reason. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Jennifer, True, and when students begin to head too far off course, it creates double the effort to get back on course. Personalized discussion works best for me, as I feel I can better individualize my comments and suggestions in a one on one conversation. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Jan, Thank YOU for the feeback. To be clear, I think extra assignments are a wonderful way for students to express their comprehension, creativity, and benefits associated with a particular topic. I would encourage it. It's the awarding of credit portion that poses some difficulty. My syllabus states no extra credit. But over the years, I've had students ask if they could do something extra (not for credit). Of course I agreed, and gave them class time to present, discuss, and display their project. Sometimes, recognition for a job well done is the most valuable "credit" we can give. Barry… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Jan, This sounds reasonable. The biggest complaint I've consistently received in the past when I offered EC surrounded issues of fairness, favoritism, and unclear expectations. I just tend to lean away from EC in most cases. Barry Westling