Barry Westling

Patricia, Very true. Being adaptive allows us to reach the largest number of students in a postive manner. Barry Westling

Alana, I think instructors who want to do well will always see improvement over time, because they'll be will be open to suggestions, seek ways to improve, and welcome constructive comments that work to improve our effectiveness. Barry Westling

Alana, You're right. And it really doesn't take that much effort, but some planning and time is required to make sure all is ready and we are "there" for the student. I kinow it's easy to begin to think of our classes like our job, and so it can become commonplace to get a little sloppy. But as professionals, wanting to make good impressions and train our students, we owe them the courtesy of our time and preparation. Barry Westling

Debbie, Sounds like a plan. Instructors who pretest tend to feel the little bit of extra effort really helps in the long run in terms of being able to better assist their students as a result of the the pretesting they've conducted. Barry Westling

Kelsey, That's great. When an instructor sort of "level's" with their students about expectations, I think that creates a more realistic way to conduct classes, and students tend to view their classes more responsibly. Barry Westling

Michael, Right. If we can keep students interested (by segmenting their instructional time) they are bound to be more engaged, more interested, and as you suggest, retention of needed information is more likely. Barry Westling

Amy, Yes. It also gives us a time to connect interpersonally. I think most students hearing from their instructor on a one-on-one basis, as we can add supportive comments along with advice and suggestions for improvement (if needed). Barry Westling

Amy, Super. While most tests are designed to assess the student, pretesting is mostly for the benefit of the instructor, to determine how best to structure their classes in order vto meet the majority of students. It's sort of a version of 'meet them where they're at". Instructors that pretest are better able to zero in to focus their energies on their specific student needs for these students, at this time, in this class, with these skills and prior learning. Barry Westling

Robbi, Good examples. Getting students involved is always helpful. Plus, using activities that complement the lesson material you're presenting add to interest, attention, and retentikon of needed material. Barry Westling

Kim, All good points and spot on reasons for instructors to prepare. Of course our students are the recients of all our efforts. Barry Westling