Barry Westling

Elizabeth, I believe whenever we can integrate real world experiences into our daily lessons and/or activities, we better prepare our students for the work setting where they will ultimately be employed. Both the field trip and guest speaker are exceptional opportunities to expand the educational setting apart from classroom and clinical environment. Barry Westling

Daniel, Respect is important. But even when that is not the case, I think we still owe our students the full benefit of our abilities, talents, and preparation. Using your many years of experience and demonstration items should help provide a satisfying activity for your students. Barry Westling

Michael, I agree. I could say EC probably always helps the awarding of points and grades, but I firmly believe those really have little to do with real learning. So the question is grades vs. learning. I suspect most serious educators would choose the latter. Barry Westling

Edward, I like your optomistic post! Yes, I believe for some students the pretest can set a meausre for the student to shoot for. Others may see it as just another class activity, while some may take a dim view and look at it as just a test. In reality, it helps the instructor the most by assessing where more (or less) attention is needed in order to help the students learn the material without underutilizing valuable time. Barry Westling

Courtney, Great. Even in very structured settings, we can be creative within the framework using methods you describe, along with other activities such as student engagement, participation, and other ways to involve students in their learning process. Barry Westling

Michael, We surely could not do harm by being over prepared. Often, things just don't go as planned. Good preparation can help limit that, or if the circumstances are beyond control, the instructor can make needed adjustments to minimize distractions in student learning. Barry Westling

Michael, Right, that's been my experience as well. Sometimes students have only a vague idea about the profession they're entering and the field trip can assist by providing answers that really open the eyes and minds of students. It can be a truly rewarding and inspiring activity. Barry Westling

Steven, You're right, it really takes little to show we care and to prepare. On the same hand it takes little to discourage students from taking their studies seriously if their instructor shows less than being ready for classes consistently. Barry Westling

Deb, Yeah, it's hard for students to always track with an instructor who is all over the place. How much cleaner and smooth when a clear-cut, organized lecture or discussion occurs. Barry Westling

Michele, You'd think. But there are instructors who feel they need to give a boost to lower performing students for whatever reasons. There may be some settings some EC is appropriate. My classes are all medical related so there can no room for "boosting" grades. Barry Westling