Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Eli: The process you've described seems sound. Back up plans also include resources or activities to be used on those crazy days when nothing seems to be working and you just have to go to Plan-B. Pull sometyhing off the shelf related to the general topic and go with it. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Karen: I think theres a difference between extra credit (EC) and assigned credit. In other words, if the student isn't doing the assigned work, it does little good to give credit in some other afrea if they arn't learning the basic/required material. But a small amout of EC coupled with required work can be a booster for some needy students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Karen: I think students like to know about their grades, but more important is are they learning the necessary information. When teachers meet and personalize their visits with students, this demonstrates they care and the student is much more likely to want to do as well as they can. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Eli: Your statistic is interesting. As we add sense to the learning process, retention is increased. The best way is to have students tteach to their classmates. Of course, this assumes they will be prepared and are teaching the correct information. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Eli: Glad to assist!. Also, someone in your community does something similar, related, or exactly what you teach. Identify 1 or 2 of these people and give them a call. They'd probly be flattered! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Eli: I like you comment about just memorizing a bunch of stuff. If it's not practical and pertinent, don't even waste time. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Joseph: Good points! I believe students are motivated when they see the potential possible for them or even just potential job opportunities. Tours and speakers break up the routine and indirectly motivate students to want to do their best. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi Keith: If our job as educators is to teach, then evaluation or assessment of that instruction is a natural component of the overall process. Feedback in the form of tests and quizzes provides an ongoing record of the students progress. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Hi Keith: Content choices are best when they align with the institution approved Student Learning Objectives (SLO's). If that's the case, a teacher will avoid straying too far from what essential and approriate content will be selected. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Keith: Success may be an outcome especially if the needed material is adequately and acurately tranfered from the teacher to the students. Regards, Barry