Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Lawrence, Many instructors and institutions would share the same sentiments. I believe our job should focus on student learning. The grading is simply a necessary component to the larger objective. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Lawrence, Sounds good. One of a thousand different ways to provide creative and useful methods for use when whatever was planned cannot be executed for whatever reason. Better plans are ones where the students don't even know the back-up was not the intended activity in the first place. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Cheryl, Right. We need to measure learning. We may teacvh, but if students haven't learned, then we have not been successful. So for me, measuring learning is the primary reason. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Lawrence, I don't always pretest. The maiun criteria I use is to what degree I have information regarding level of prior knowledge my students have. I never grade the pretests, because the information is really for me. When I do pretest, students usually enjoy the experience. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Cheryl, I think a good rule of thumb is to use applications of any theory or lecture material during or along with the topic presentation. Studeies show that information with immediate application results in better retention, longer term memory, and in general, more interesting and enjoyable classes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Lawrence, This is a great example of being a little creative and coming up with supplemental ways to help your students learn, especially by way of using senses in the instructional process. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Danielle, Right. Without a plan of correction, some students are likely to continue their same bad habits and perhaps, even not complete the course successfully. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

John, I also like the personal connection I receive by meeting with students individually on a regular basis. This takes time, but students usually feel my interest in their successfulness as a result of this effort. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Danielle, Right. I find just asking direct questions of specific students can sometimes be all that is needed. Other times when the whole class just seems to be disengaged, I'll move to an alternate activity. But I can also move back to the original activity if I need to in order to meet my daily course objectives. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Richard, Sounds like back up game plans are well identified for your classes. Sometimes, with a good back up plan, students don't even need to know that something different has been implemented. Barry Westling