Barry Westling

Mitchel, The "courtesy of one's attention" is a social skill that seems to have vanished from some students mindset. Keeping students focused means keeping their attention with interesting material, and engaging them with questions to check for understanding. If this is the norm, they will learn they have to pay attention while in class. Rude is rude and students need to be called on it (outside of class). Barry Westling

Mitchel, For me, student centered simply means I'm willing to adjust or modify my "canned" curriculum in favor of individualizing my instruction to assist students learn. They appreciate it and usually benefit by my efforts. Barry Westling

Chukwuka, Yes, and as you imply, the more senses we can employ in the instructional process and individual study, the better will be the student's retention of information and ultimately, better student learning outcomes. Barry Westling

Chukwuka, Great! For me, student centered simply means willing to modify or adjust whast I have have planned in order to meet individual student needs. Nearly always students appreciah my efforts in this manner. Barry Westling

Chukwuka, Right. Staying on track is important both for the instructor and student. Students need order, direction, and clear instruction as to expectations and understanding of course materials. When there is disorder, it contributes to confusion (and perhaps chaos), and some students have enough chaos in their lives without us adding to it. Barry Westling

Rosemary, Great! Asking students to clarify or restate information is a good way to check for understanding. Barry Westling

Rosemary, These are great examples. I tell students "there is no such thing as time management, only self management (since we all have the same amount of time in a day). Going the extra mile to simply things is almost always appreciated by students since they often have chaos in their lives already, anything we can do to minimize frustration or assist understyanding is worthwhile. Barry Westling

Samuel, Nice! Informal evaluations are just as effective as formal ones, especially if the student appreciates the effort made, and responds to the advice and suggestions given. Barry Westling

Molly, Great! The other thing, at least for me, is I get to chat with students to give advice and suggestions, and to offer my support and encouragement. I think this adds to building trust and respect as well. Barry Westling

Kari, This is a great method to keep students informed and is frequent enough to allow correction so that improvement in the students grade will occur. Barry Westling