Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Karl, Many schools do use pretesting - both as an admissions tool and and as a study tool. The results of pretests used in the classroom can help teachers when they know little about their students. It is a tool to help the teacher plan where the emphasis should (or should not) be in a given class. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Blanche, Right! Without a destination, and a plan to get there, it's unreasomable to expect students to arrive where we want them if we don't convey where there at to start with! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Shelly, When we show interest we convey we care and students appreciate that. It doesn't take a lot of preparation, time, or skill, just caring for the students success. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Katrina, I'm with you. EC is about points and grades - I'm interested in achiveing student learning and related outcomes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Shelly, Building on what is found from pretesting can determine how best a class is to be planned and where the best emphasis should be. It's really a great tool for teachers to use; for me, I use them when I don't know much about the prior learning status of the incoming students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Katrina, Sometimes students just get distracted, and really arn't disengaged. For these, simple things like askig a question, standing next to them, or circulating around the room. Other times, they are disengaged and we need more agressive tactics, like changing the flow and getting students into motion with an activity. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Katrina, There is really so much out there, we have to be a bit choosey, in order that we find the best resources and media for the moment. We could find a lot that is good, but the challenge is to find what is best, at this time, for these students, in this class. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Shelly, Good preparation gets our students readied for work; not just knowledge and skills, but the professional aspects that will help someone get and then keep a job. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Philp, Right! And when we share that information in person and regularly, that conveys we care, we're interested in their successs, and it gives us an opportunity to listen and just be real. Students seem to appreciate these personalization techniques and are more willing to try harder as the result. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Cassie, Sometimes, it doesn't take a lot. Circulating around the room while you're lecturing, standing next to a student who seems distracted. as you say, calling on specific students by name and asking a question - these simple actions provide a sense of activity and a "work-in-session" atmophere that discouages students from drifting off. Barry Westling