Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Kenny, I think bonus or incentive points are OK in most cases as they add little to the overall grade and are based on knowledge obtained from class lessons. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Gary, For me, I have not found EC to be effective in motivating students (unless one considers motivation to gain extra points an effective form of learning). If it's not related to learning I prefer to not go into those murky waters. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Anissa, For me, I want objectivity and fairness in all aspects of my instruction, including the grading policy and process. I find it very difficult to fairly and objectively involve extra credit in my grading policies, although I recognize others may. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Patricia, Right! And this this is aligned with success-driven instruction. In the workplace, extra credit doesn't exist and I suggest it should not in the classroom either. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Kenny, Pretests help plan. In this case, what should be relied cannot. So pretesting helps resolve any mystery. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Russell, As true as this sentiment may be it does force the teacher to recognize the challenges that lie before them. I would prefer to know what it is I have to do than to have it unexpectedly appear mid stream in the teaching session. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Suzanna, Right - they help the instructor plan so that all available time is used to the maximum. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Charmelia, For me, I think pretesting helps the teacher in planning their classes, highlighting what needs more (or less) emphasis, and creating a course of study. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Susan, Giving notetaking expectation (i.e., "20-minutes") is a great idea. Students are always trying to sort out how long will this or that take. Giving advanc information probably does minimize their perception of the "anguish" of having to take notes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Demarcus, The good thing about videos is they're handy. On the otherhand, videos can be lengthly and not specific to the daily lesson. Of course, some video's are exactly perfect for the topic as "the main attraction". Barry Westling