Barry Westling

Hi Bonnie: Great. More senses increases memory and makes for memorable instruction. More senses allows for interesting classes and more opportunity to reference material when the student is studying. Regards, Barry

Hi Bonnie: Knowing our students is also a key to reingaging. Anticipating how students will respond or planning for the way a particular class receives instruction is invaluable. Keeping interest involves including information the student finds important - that's where knowing your students really helps. Students will listen, pay attention, and get involved if they feel they will benefit from their effort, such as "it'll be on the test", or "you will use this information everyday in your work", etc. Regards, Barry

Hi Bonnie: I like early and frequent intervention in order to give the student the most opportunity to improve. Sometimes, intervention occurs too late in the process and the student has too little time for their improvements efforts to make much difference. Similarly, students like to know their progress (good or bad), and I think sooner is beeter. Each time we can connect with a student provides an opportunity to give them encouragement. Regards, Barry

Hi Matthew: Journals are a tool. Some teachers use them in their special way, others use them a lot, still, others don't use them at all. I think the benefit is in the reflection over time or being able to refer back to something notewothy that was posted in the journal. But it's really up to the teacher if they want to take the time (and good journals do take a discipline of time)to journalize, even if it's on an occasional basis. Regards, Barry

Hi Paul: In many medical training p[rograms there is is a clinical or extern component. How filed trips differ is they offer something the student would not ordinarily see in their day to day clinical experiences. These can be quite memorable. Students can get quite motivated excired about their studies if the activity is well planned or the presenter is exceptional. Regards, Barry

Hi Victoria: These activities are so dynamic; they're different the the routine of regular class and students tend to remember the speakers or field trip activity. Many times, these turn out very inspirational for the sthe students, even to the point of impoving student performance. Regards, Barry

Hi Ashia: Right! By informing students of where they are at, they can make changes in study habits as early as possible, creating a more probable successful outcome. Regards, Barry

Hi Sarah: What a terrible message it might send the student when we are disorganized! Could it cause a long-term impact to the learning relationship if our disorganization implies "I don't care about you and am unprepared"? Regards, Barry

Hi Sarah: You've made a really strong point - knowing your audience. In this regard, that would mean knowing what kind of learners you have. Once you know that, you can use a variety of teaching approaches to address every type of learning style. Regards, Barry

Hi Sarah: Another good thing about pre-tests is that they can show you what kind of learner yo uhave, making lesson planning more effective. Regards, Barry