Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

John, Motivation is important. Often it takes just a little encouragement coupled with accurate information to make a big difference in how the student view their instruction. We can give information, but also support and encouragement. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Michael, Right - adult students (and people in general) are consumers of sorts, and the current generation has grown to expect information quickly, without delays. This is especially true with class grades, points earned, progress reports, and other similar staus related information. What's important is that any needed improvements have enough time to see correction, and that students understand the expectations, and hoepfully value the scope of the content presented. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Michael, You've got a point about subjecting students to undesirable ordors, substances, or auditory extremes (crying, yelling, etc.). Of course, the instructor should be sensitive to the instructional environment their students are involved with. Yet it's true, that when more sensory stimulation is involved students retain information better, longer, and itr becomes useful later on it their actual work setting. A good example is an odor (or fragrance) that immediately brings a memory. Amazing recall power! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Carl, Good point. It's much like the "what's in it for me" principle. When students can see value in their lessons - something tangible they will be able to use on the the job in the work setting, they are more apt to ingage, pay attention, and be actively involved in their learning. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Denise, Right. I think students rely on senses (besides vision and auditory) more than they realize. The more senses we can incorporate into the instructional process, the better will be the student learning outcomes and retention of essential class information. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

April, Disingagement can happen for a lot of reasons: unprepared, do not understand, tired, bored, have fallen behind, illness, or distracted by other thoughts. In all cases (except possibly illness), we can reingage by simple to aggresive methods. Just circulating about the room keeps students a bit more attentive. Asking questions frequently also keeps students attentive. Sometimes, it's necessary to change the activity in order to keep interest. That can occur with a plan to return to that activity later on in the class period. Sort of back and forth, which is a form of variety. Getting students actively involved… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Judith, There are so many media choices these days, it's like we have to narrow down to only those that are most effective in conveying the needed information. Variety is good, in that it inhances the interest and engagement of students. That said, using materials that students use as short cuts or bypass the intended learning pathway would not be a desirable activity Too much of one activity can lead to disinterest or classes that are not enjoayable to be attending for very long. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Carl, Right! Field trips can be inspiring to the point that students who may have previously had only a vague ideaa about what their work setting was like acquire a new found knowledge about it. Of course the benefit to the student is often, they become more serious about their studies as the result of the field trip experience. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Judith, That "real-life" component is invaluable. I think when students can take what they already know and couple that with new information that pertains to their work setting, they're likely to retain it, use it, apply it, and create successful career choices because of it. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

James, Yeah, we need to be able to offer our assistance in time for the student(s) to make needed corrections, offer our support and encouragement, and advice for being highly successful. Barry Westling