Barry Westling

Erica, Good example. I'm a little hard of hearing. Knowing this, I always look to how I can best position myself to field questions. I also tell students they need to keep the class quiet from extraneous noises as it interferes with my clearly hearing their questions. Most students are respectful of that (but do need reminding. So, although there is some mild impairment, by understanding and preparing to adapt, this helps create better class discussions. Barry Westling

Ashley, Some instructional activities can be fun at the same time. I think anytime a student willingly and actively participates in an activity that supports their learning, their going to see improved results in their learning. Barry Westling

Ashley, I agree, the field trip is nearly always a succesful activity, and can be very inspirational and effective in motivating students to want to learn more and perform better in the classroom. Barry Westling

Teresa, Leraning styles can be helpful, if the curriculum is able to be modified to match individual learning styles. Barry Westling

Teresa, Games can be instructional, if designed correctly. My caution is using games as "fillers for time". Adult learners want to feel their time has value and want lessons that contribute to learning, wahtever the specific activity may be. Barry Westling

Richard, Media that effectively contributes to student learning does take some thought, care, effort and planning to make for meaningful lesson material. The best information, if it doesn't advance student knowledge in a productive and engaging manner, is of little value. Barry Westling

Richard, I think when students feel their instruction is modified or personalized toi meet their specific needs, they'll be very receptive and will likely achieve better student learning outcomes. Barry Westling

Teresa, Great! tThat's exaclty the purpose o9f journalizing. Barry Westling

Teresa, Right! These bare extremely valuable observations, notatations about things that are important but are likely to be forgotton unless jotted somewhere (electronic or handwritten). The method varies as much as the diversity of the faculty, but the premise is the same for all. Barry Westling

Aimi, Right! Notations about the observations in a class can be very meaningul, especially when viewed at a later date. Sometimes, we can see bgrowth (or lack of) based on the notations. Mostly, it's a helpful tool for instructors. Barry Westling