Susan Polick

You seem to be a very aware instructor, keeping tabs throughout your lessons on where everyone is.

I like that idea James!

Hi Bronna- I read an interesting study published in the College Student Journal in March 2002 that discusses stress experienced by students faced with taking exams. It concludes that students that have an analytic coping style that basically involves planning to prepare for and pass the exam results in reduced stress, while students that have an avoidance coping style experience greater stress. Here's the link - http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCR/is_1_36/ai_85007779 This book may also interest you: Inspiring Tranquility: Stress Management and Learning Styles in the Inclusive Classroom. NEA Professional Library, 119 pp., $10.95, Stock #2592-6-00-F

Absolutely, Nancy! And it appears that you are already addressing all the learning styles in your instruction. I liked your comment - in essence every really good instructor IS a performer - constantly doing their best to connect with their audience.

You're right Barbara- often it depends on what you are assessing. If it is a skill or procedure that may be complicated or a concept/theory equally so, it makes sense to give the students the opportunity to present all that they know.

Hi Jean - Have you tried requiring that the teams be different each time you play the game? Not only will it make the game a bit more competitive, but also may encourage the stronger students to mentor those who are struggling.

A great idea, Denise! They can feel free to critique since the work was not done by their classmates. A terrific way to make them look at work analytically.

That seems to be a very effective process. The bottom line is "Can the student demonstrate the competencies that the course was designed to teach?"

Wow- I'm so glad that this will be useful to you. I know that preping students for the GED is tough!

You are right Angela- I know that once you start figuring out what your students' learning styles are and adjusting your instruction to accomodate you will see a great improvement in their sucess.