Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Vicki, Touch is a powerful sense, even when it's not primarily being used in a lesson. When we use more senses, students retain information better and longer. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Khalid, Meeting student learning outcomes requires taht course objecticves are met. They're a measure of student effectiveness. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Khalid, True, field trips can be quite inspirational and motivate students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Michael, Sometimes modifying lessons takes a bit of creativity, no question about it. I just look at it like "am I doing everything I can to assure my students's success". That puts a little different spin on it. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Claire, I think course objectives are a factor. While it's true some may to work harder to learn the material, the one constant is the course objective that is the basis for the grading in the first place. It would seem that a good grading system is measuring how close to meeting the objectives did the student come. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Claire, Great rationale to support a "no extra credit" policy. I'm with you. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Claire, Sounds like you've got this down. Good job! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Chanda, Right, this is effective. If coupled with questioning (as you say), studenjts often feel like the atmosphere is a bit more intimate, and begin to feel that the expectation is to pay attention because they may be asked a question. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Claire, I like group discussions to address this situation. If I am not ready to move on, I can transition for a brief period, then move back to where I was in the lesson. Circulating around the room is another good way just to keep the attention span a bit more alert. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Chanda, Senses are an important adjunct to enhancing memory and retention of information. However, it's true that in every learning setting not all senses can be used all the time. Yet, if we are creative, we can think about ways to increase retention by using sensory stimulation beyond what might be obvious. Barry Westling