Barry Westling

Cheryl, I think visual and auditory are senses most students depend on the most. But adding exercises or activities that use the other senses helps students remember and retain essential information. Barry Westling

Gregrey, I really think students appreciate the time and concern expressed when instructors take time to share course progress, especially when that's done in person. Without a plan, students have little to base their studey efforts on. Barry Westling

Gordon, This is good for a couple of reasons. One is the students see the daily objectives and expectations. It may also indicate what students might be tested on. Another is it provides a better plan students can follow if they want to prepare themselves with prior reading or study on the specific topics. Also, it helps the instructor plan for perhaps a bit better organization, and serve as a guide to staying on track. Barry Westling

Christopher, Sharing current status is important to adult learners. No one likes surprises at the end of a course. Barry Westling

Jacqueline, If students learning can be assessed using a system such as you propose, that would be OK. Many teachers are leery of giving away large portions of grades that are unearned. Barry Westling

Christopher, Pretesting can be a simple act of looking at a few examples what we want students to know at class end, then create a few assessment questions. Barry Westling

Jacqueline, Another kind of pretesting is to lay out the objectives, then identify what will be tested, specifically. Although this doesn't assess critical thinking, it does allow assess information that is at the recalll level. Barry Westling

Christopher , Yes, tuning in to students' conversations while conducting a discussion is needed and getting students back on task is needed. Otherwise, students will soon learn they can "chat" without consequences regarding their wasted leaning time. Barry Westling

rebecca, More senses adds more variety and a better opportunity for improved retention of essential information. Barry Westling

Christopher, We all have our own versions of dynamic personalities, the ability to capture student attention and keep the focus and student interest fun and enjoyable. Barry Westling