Barry Westling

Kevin, Primarily, we're hired to be ready with material and resources in order to conduct our classes. The students perception of our readiness will be enhanced when effort has gone into the preparation process. Barry Westling

Rosa, I understand. I used to use yellow post it notes. Trouble was, they were everywhere, and some got misplaced inadvertently. Journalizing, or simply documenting ideas or thoughts can be in any form that works for the instructor. In fact, it has to be workable or the instructor won't do it. Also, some begin with simpler methods, then realize they want something more. Barry Westling

Robert, Great. When students know or think you might call on them, they will be more attentive and likey ready if you do call on them. I do this by calling on students at random (their names on popcicle sticks), and I'll draw a name from the stick collection. Barry Westling

Eddy, Rubrics are great, as they are much more objective, and allow both instructor and student to know in advance what and how the course work will be assessed and graded. Barry Westling

Eddy, I think even in settings where the grading criteria is already fixed, we can still be creative by assessing students informally, even throughout the lecture, demonstration, discussion, or whatever activity is occuring. This checking for understanding is simply a way to present material and frequently stop and check where students are in their understanding, live, in real time, as the instruction is occurring. Barry Westling

Eddy, I agree regular evaluations help keep a pulse on where our students are performing. Barry Westling

Eddy, Adding to that, frequent and early on discussion with progress made to date is a great way to facilitate better performance. Students may try harder with their studies when they know where they stand, and are given grade information, adivce, suggestions for improvement, and support and encouragement from their instructor. Barry Westling

Eddy, I have found good students who do all assigned work feel resentment towards the student (and teacher) who is given extra credit when the good students had to work hard for their grades. I try to be fair by not giving extra credit to anyone, my students know that and they know not to ask. I just have had too many bad expeiences with extra credit so I choose not to give it. However, each instructor and institution has to decide what works best for their students. Barry Westling

Andrea, Yes, the selection of appropriate media varies from term to term, and needs to chosen with care, as there is so much available these days. The best media selections need to found among all thats available, and that takes time, effort, thought and planning to arrive at what works best for the current term. Barry Westling

Andrea, I agree. Students may very well become inspired by the opportunity to view an aspect of "the real world of work" they're training for when attending a good field trip. And as you say, some programs where there is not a external experience component in their courses can be readily motivated by such an activity. Barry Westling