Barry Westling

Kevin, You're right, sometimes even the best students can benefit from a shot in the arm as a reminder about why they enrolled and their purpose for being in the class. And as you say, a good guest speaker or field trip can handle that nicely. Barry Westling

Gail, Good. I encourage participation, in fact insist on it. Grading it can be very subjective and I've had students comment they felt their particiaption was as much as anothers (different than my assessment). Therefore, I just try to encourage and demand it from all, and let the student benefit from the activity (without points). Other methods may work just as well. Barry Westling

Brian, I agree students who wish to do additional work, on their own, beyond what is required should be recognized for their effort. I use a component point system which accounts for 100% of the points, so I can't give points to an unknown category. But I can call attention to the students work, give personal and public recognition, and perhaps let the student share their work with the class. It's interesting how satisfying a room of classmates' applause can be! Barry Westling

Brian, Great. I think when students can relate instructional lessons to their personal lives, it'll make more sense, and therefore they are more likely to understand, retrain, and apply the information. Barry Westling

Brian, Great. You're using your instructional instinct in planning your media, as should all instructors. Barry Westling

Brian, Humor is a good neutralizer. In the right doses it can create a more comfortable learning environment by adding a down to earth feeling among the studennts. Too much humor can be off putting to some students who may not appreciate the sincerity or intent. Barry Westling

Linda, This is the beauty and benefit of good preparation. Having enough time and opportunity to spend with students is so important, I believe is some cases, it can make the difference between a successful student and one who is merely marginal. Of course we want optimal results for all our students. Barry Westling

Ashpreet, I'm with you, EC has little to do with learning and mostly is about grades and points. Barry Westling

Ashpreet, It's been said "We haven't taught if students haven't learned". Yes, if we provide a good education, we will have helped our students in both their personal lives and their professional work readiness. Barry Westling

Ashpreet, Yes, students do get motivated, even to the degree that some weaker students may begin to buckle down and work to improve their grade. That's a pretty powerful motivator. Barry Westling