Barry Westling

Hi Penny: You know, they say TV commericials are louder than the regular TV programming being watched. I believe that's true. They do it to get your attention. Anyway, same thing in the classroom. I don't mean we need to be louder (although that's something that can snap students out of their zone-out), but activities that break up the fade out students may be experiencng can be relatively simple and subtle. A sudden joke or story, a "clap" of the hands, asking a question, changing media - many kinds of change-ups that refocus students. Regards, Barry

Hi Bonnielee: You've described a good basic format that helps both at the beginning and end of a class. I think most students would be motivated and maybe even surpised by how much they learned using this method. Regards, Barry

Hi Bonnielee: Coupling an informed guest speaker or tour guide to provide additional insight or information can be a value added benefit too. The particular exhibit you mention would a valuable field trip for just about any class - a creative teacher could make it fit in somewhere. Regards, Barry

Hi Nicole: It's good that your lectures blend in other media as listening and taking notes tends to limit how much a student retains, compared to other delivery methods that add variety, student involvement, engagement with the resouces, and discussion. Regards, Barry

Hi Nicole: What you describe seems like a fair compromise: Students get to take a missed test but receive a penalty for the original absence. Extra credit will skew grades, but I know many institutions require or incorporate it into their classes. Regards, Barry

Hi Nicole: Both good examples of the benefits of of pretesting. It may not be applicable all the time or for every class, but when some kind of pretesting is performed, it sjould help infrom the teacher where the students are performing and assist with planning for how best to teach the class. Regards, Barry

Hi Nicole: Great media choices. Variety such as you've decribed keeps students interested, focused, and motivated. It's a good plan. Regards, Barry

Hi Aaron: What an inspiring story! We all have the potential to do more for our students if we're rightly motivated to do so. Regards, Barry

Hi Timothy: I agree that trust, respect, confidence, and cooperation by the students will be more likely to be present when we prioritize our students needs. Witnessing the "ah-ha moment" or "get-it" experience by the student can be very encouraging to the teacher, too. Regards, Barry

Hi Michael: I think your point aptly demonstrates that as teachers, we may not know why students get distracted. But it also illustrates that regardless of the reason, our job is to keep them engaged, interested, involved, and active in the learning process. I think a good syllabus coupled with a good explanation at the very beginning of a new class goes a long way to accepatance - perhaps not agreement, but at least an understanding and a willingness to try. Regards, Barry