Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Aaron, Instructors should appreciate the need students have to be given course status and updates, along with advice and suggestions for improvement. When performed regularly, a positive relationship can develop between the student and instructor when the student realizes their instructor is wanting to see the best outcomes possible. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Martin, I started using pretesting about 40 years ago, and although the process and format has been modified, I basically do what I have always done. Every time reinforces the benefits to me in taking a little extra time to gain some insight into prior learning levels of my classes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Aaron, Great. Pretesting is just another among many tools that we know can benefit both instructor and student. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

B. A., My hope is that good role modeling will "rub-off", which unfortunately isn't always the case. But I can say without adequate preparation, it will unrealistic to expect that students will ever flourish to their full potential. And that'd be a shame. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Aaron, Right. And we want to create that learning environment where students feel they can approach their instructor and rely on the premise that their instructor is there for them to assist in any way possible. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Aaron, As professionals, we know and understand the importance of the various topics we teach about. But to the student, they often lack the same level of appreciation as does the instructor. Presenting with enthusiasm, energy, and passion can produce interest and participation by students, ultimately leading to better student outcomes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

B. A., I agree, and believe that a field trip such as you describe will be memorable in the students mind, probably for a lifetime. Something that powerful is a great activity to schedule, as it's significance can be long-lasting. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Seth, I believe for students to achieve the level of mastery we seek, it's critical that we communicate their progress towards that objective. And students usually appreciate the one-on-one contact with their instructor. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Seth, Sometimes students will benefit from a pretest, as in "previews of coming attractions". Of course, the greatest benefit is to the instructor who gains knowledge about the general level of prior student knowledge and/or performance. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Seth, I'm a big believer in stories. Students like them, they help illustrate a point, are usually interesting, and students seem to retain the point because they remember the story. Barry Westling