Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Ralph, Good point. We're interested in student learning. So are they. Knowing their status contributes to the whole process. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Shawn, A students motivation to do well may be related to many factors. Identifying good performance and offering suggestions and encouragement can go a long ways to motivating students in areas they where they to improve. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Francine, Good point. There is nothing more encouageing than positive comments coming from the instructor. Early on and frequent is best! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Warren, Interesting activity. This sounds like fun and maybe others should consider it. I'm all for extra activities, it's the awarding of points I choose not to participate in. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Christopher, Right! We're interested in learning, not points, grades, artificial performance. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Carolyn, I agree, and understand that opinions vary. Mine is simply not to go there. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Ian, I choose not to give EC at all, probably for reasons similar to you, and that have been elaborated on in this forum quite a bit. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Warren, Me too (avoiding "test"). I use "assessment", "check for understanding", or "self evaluation". I know these words have other, more traditional meanings but my students quickly learn what I mean when they are used. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Ralph, Good. Another way to look at or use pretests is as a examination review (preview). It's not like there is some secretive information we're trying to hide, rather, we want to know to what degree the students have learned. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Ian, Great strategy. Pretests, like any resource, is a tool, and can be modified to fit the occasion. I think you're idea is creative and the results you're seeking attainable. Barry Westling