Barry Westling

Michele, Right. The biggest benefgit is for vthe instructor to make plans that better fit the current students, given their prior learning and knowlkedge level. Barry Westling

Robert, What a great resource! Although I understand some students don't like the online learning format, usually that's just because they're unfamiliar with the delivery platform. What's cool is this is customized to the text (and topic) you're using, and as youy say, premits you you make adjustments in your teaching plan. Barry Westling

Michele, Journals, newsletters and web pages do offer students the most current and up-to-date information, much more relevant than textbooks. But then textbooks are often a better resouce for fundamental theory that you almost never find on the the more cuirrent sites. So in reality, students benefit by both categories of resources. Barry Westling

Andrea, Feedback is very helpful, as you experienced. When instructors are willing and open to improvement, better student outcomes often result. The opposite is probably just as true. Barry Westling

Paulette, I agree students can sense when their teacher is less than fully prepared. I think it can also add unneeded stress and angst for both instructor and student alike. We should minimize distractions and be ready to give our full attention. Barry Westling

April, I'll let technical support about the word omission in the question. And you're right about how students respond to us as educators. Comepotence and confidence add cedibility to our role as facilitator/instructor/helper in the quest of goals and aspirations adult learners have for their future. Barry Westling

April, What a great idea to promote camaraderie among your student population. Many would assume that adult leareners would be responsible, cordial, and considerate with their peers. But actuially, most classes have students that develop a dislike for one of their own. If M-B's assessments help reduce those conflicts of differences, I think that's great start to insuring longer lasting harmony and cohesiveness. Barry Westling

Michele, Yes, writing, reading what was written, having another read, and variations of this can help through the process of repetition and sensory involvement. Barry Westling

James, Yes, it can be like a review of daily events, or most important events or thoughts documented for review later. One of the latent benefits is to reflect on notes made many months or even years back. These often reveal growth, maturity as an instructor, improvement, and strengthening as an instructor. Barry Westling

Courtney, Great points, all. SLO's best help determine whether students have learned as planned. "WIIFM" keeps classes lively, interesting, and more enjoyable. Barry Westling