Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Juan, This is good. Giving the information at the beginning (and then sticking to it) conveys orderly, organized, and fair grading practices. This is partly why I avoid extra credit because it falls out of line with my preset grading standards. I want to avoid any claim or perception of "unfair". Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Kelsey, Evaluation is a form of analysis. With this knowlege, both teacher and student can agree on a plan of action geared towards successful completion of the course. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Juan, Assessment measures performance. Evaluation is analysis. So, given the facts we can accurately inform students and lay out a realistic plan for success. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Kelsey, Even if they don't want to ask questions, I think it's important that a regular regimen of informing students keeps everybody on the same page as to where the grades will fall. No surprises. That's the last thing I want my students to think about my classes. We should try to be as up front about as much as we can. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Juan, Yes, reducing stress. Frequent and early on discussions about performance can really reduce the stress level becuse students will always be pretty much up to date - no guessing waht the oucome will be. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Kelsey, I agree, and emphasize we should be interested in learning, more than points and grades. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Juan, Each teacher and institution has to decide what works best for them. Small adjustments are probably OK, but giving free points for essentialy little work isn't really contributing to learning. For me, I just avoid it altogether. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Kelsey, Also, pretests can help guage where the teacher wants special emphasis, even if it's at the expense of lesser time spent on less important topics. Got to stick to what is essential. Once that's achieved, then if there is time, other information can be given. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Kelsey, A break is a great reengagement activity. It sort of resets the mind (and body). Reengaging doesn't have to be a big deal. Just keep the material interesting and related to their field of study and students will stay focused. It's the "what's in it for me" principle. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Kelsey, A good rule to follow I've learned is to stick to the objectives and usually I'll be OK. But it true that sometimes, a lesson will take longer or there may be more questions. In these instances, my experience has been to plan a topic in segments, so if one segment runs longer or shorter, I can adjust the one following it accordingly. In the end, all the objectives are met. Barry Westling