Barry Westling

Hi Laura, My experience would support students rarely get an "aha" moment from receiving EC. They're more likely to have a "whew, just made it moment!" I do believe a student might be motivated to do something creative and related to the subject matter, but I would rather a student do that on their own because they want to, not because they need the EC to get a higher or passing grade. But each teacher has to decide what works best for their classes. My bias is to not offer EC. Barry Westling

Hi Sherry, Great response and self reflection. For me, teachers who are willing to be honest with themselves and open to change seem to have more satisfaction, both personal and that from their students. Barry Westling

Hi Laura, I believe the small discussion group provides one of the best ways to inhance learning in an interesting and relaxed format. One caveat I watch for is that students stay on topic so the discussion doesn't lead to socializing about non-class activities. Barry Westling

Hi Liza: Another technique that might work well is to break the students into groups and have them discuss a problem. Regards, Barry

Hi Liza: Unless you're speakinga bout a traditional semester in college, three weeks may be too long a time for the average student to see the need for changes in study habits that might result in a higher grade. Regards, Barry

Hi Audrey: In fact, many institutions are moving to the same kind of grading record system that allows the student group to track their grade in the manner you've mentioned.

Hi Laura, Yes ma'am! More variety in every aspect, from delivery, discussion, lab, demonstration, project, all media resources keep the interest, attention, and student focus on the subject when we get creative. And as you say, I believe students will feel overloaded, rather more interested when our learning resources are more varied. Barry Westling

Hi Diane: To paraphrase, you're indicating there might be a loss of credibility if an instructor is consistently disorganized? Regards, Barry

Hi Diane: In fact, most pedagogy enthusiasts agree that hands on learning is the best for adult learners. Regards, Barry

Hi Niani: Food for thought: what if the extra points allowed the student to pass, when otherwise, they wouldn't have? Regards, Barry