Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Paul, Extra credit is a component of grading. In principle, I believe the best grading systems are those that measure learning accurately. If I believe my grading system is sound, then students will earn the requsite points that accompany their learning. For me, I choose not to give EC. But each teacher and institution has to decide what works best for them and their students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Ida, Right. It's a planning tool for the instructor. It helps narrow down the best strategies for these students, in this class, at this time. Very specific. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Ida, I use pretesting now and then, but not all the time. Pretesting is one of many tools. Pretesting works best for me when I have no idea where the students are in their prior learning. As you say, it helps me plan to apply improved emphasis for a given class. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Paul, Super! This is a terrific way to approach instruction. Critical thinking skills are needed in situational testing, and for students to do well in these kind of tests, the instructor has to teach their students to really learn the material in order to answer appropriately. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Ida, Any time we can get closer to teaching students to become critical thinkers, we will have helped them for many subsequent life experiences, even those beyond the work setting. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Ida, Yes, this is certainly an aspect of our purpose. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Ida, Right! When we've done our job appropriately, our students will be more than adequately prepared to begin work, and sustain that employment due to the instruction they received while in our charge. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Ida, Students recognize when their instructor has put in the needed time, effort, and preparation for a class session. And besides it being our job, getting a class ready gives the students the best opportunity to learn. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Ida, Right. Students want to know we are ready to help them. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Jane, Very nice! There is so much resource material available these days that without care instructors could end up giving good material but it would miss the purpose of meeting the students learning objectives. We have to be willing to make this class, at this time, for these students pertinent and relevant, which may include activities and media that is different from previous classes. Barry Westling