Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Emad, I think knowing what's coming up beforehand also helps when students have questions. Only someone who has prepared knows what all is included. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Tiffany, Being proactive is a method that helps prevent students from dropping too low, too fast, before we can intervene. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Christa, As for grading, I think as long as we are striving to accurately and fairly measure learning, then instructors can choose how best to assign credit for assignments and exams. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Christa, Great. Sometimes students just get distracted and need some slight urging, or refocusing. Standing next to a student, asking questions of specific students, or having students walk up to the board to write an answer or response is enough to get students reengaged. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Christa, These are all great ways that senses can be used. There are many senses that are stimulated just by naturally interacting in the lab setting. Same is true for nearly any class activity where students are engaged and not just sitting, passively receiving a lecture. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Tiffany, True change that occurs through acquiring new skills and knowledge, along with the personal satisfaction of understanding the effort and hard work required to attain this access is something that can't ever be taken away from an individual. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Tiffany, I think better instructors realize the need to continuously reflect on their role in terms of commitment, attitude, professionalism, patience, and competence. Humility about the need to make needed adjustments is the companion to personal reflection, because recognition of need without the willingness to make the changes is of little value. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Charles, It's true, ongoing self improvement is really a continuous personal commitment. Sometimes this occurs through trial and error. The lesson is to learn from mistakes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Christa, I believe the power of a good field trip or interesting guest speaker can be quite inspiring, and motivate students to want to refocus their energy towards class studies. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Kristen, The ability to ask questions directly is beneficial in several ways. Chiefly, students begin to visualize themselves as workers, perhaps for the first time. Barry Westling