Barry Westling

Hi Sunshine, Good deal. I read in subsequent posts you are very active in OL instruction, but I'm glad you felt my comment was helpful. Barry Westling

Hi John, Good thinking. Having a deadline may get students refocused. I've also had successful experience with small (2-3) group exercises where following discussion, some sort of class presentation was expected. With a deadline of 20 minutes preparation, then class preparations, students feel the need to get it together. Barry Westling

Hi George, Sometimes the use of senses doesn't have to be directly tied to learning. Getting used to the rhythm of the teachers pace, the feel of the textbook, studying the colors of photographs - it's like tuning in, or perhaps, becoming more aware of our (learning) surroundings. That can also help students appreciate the subtlties of their learning experience. I agree, more senses used repetitiously is a good thing and helps retention of information. Barry Westling

Hi Laura, Variety rules! More senses, more activities, more engagement, more learning ...better student outcomes. Barry Westling

Hi George, Good points. I would add to your comment about making our weaker areas stronger by saying venturing out into the territory we're not as familiar with helps makes us more complete, even though it's not our comfort zone, and frankly, a little sacry. But that's what it takes to learn something now, just as we expect from our students. We can honestly say "I know how you feel!". Barry Westling

Hi Sheree, Class flow is important. Our responsibility is to our students and they expect (and deserve) our full preparation, and our expertise from work experience, education, training, credentialing, and life experiences. They are due the respect of treating their education with the higest regards, just as we expect the students to give us the courtesy of their full attention and focus. Barry Westling

Hi Bret, Great! Often, passion is the greatest attribute any teacher can possess. It amplifies the strengths of an instructor while overcoming weaker areas that may need impovement, but encourages the teacher to make strides towards improvement. That willingness is recognized by both students and the teacher alike! Barry Westling

Hi Nikki, Good deal! Among the many reasons, giving the students enough time to make corrections is a great reason to provide feedback early on and frequently. It also allows the teacher to provide suggestions and advice, and give encouragement, which suggests to students the teacher cares about their successfulness. Barry Westling

Hi Emily, This makes sense. It's not extra credit, but extra consideration, and that is almost always appreciated by students. It may reflect to the students that their cares and is understanding that achieving perfection is difficult or impossible. I also like this becase the adjustment is based on persormance of assigned work, versus giving extra work in lieu of assigned work. Barry Westling

Hi Alnita, I use pretesting to assess the whole class as sort of snap-shot where they are performing as a class. Then, I can adjust where more (or less) emphasis may be needed to use my time wisely and not waste time on material students have existing proficiency. Barry Westling