Barry Westling

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Reengaging off-task students

Hi Chara, Good for you - these strategies are proven succesful for getting students reengaged. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

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Selecting instructional media

Hi Donald, Great! Your sensitivity to how best and when to include essential information sounds terrific. Of course our students all have differing backgrounds, yet I think approaching a topic from what we think will reach the most students really makes sense and comes with trial and error along with experience. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

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Reengaging off-task students

Hi Amina, Great. Asking questions is one of the easiest ways to reengage students who've loct focus. Asking questions randomly is even better, as no one is quite sure who might be called on next. And you're right, instant reinforcement of correct information encourages more of the same by students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

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Reengaging off-task students

Hi Timothy: All great ideas. Common to these is participation by the student, which I think anytime we can incolve students the outcomes will be better and retention of information more sustained. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

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Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Larry, Great way to have yourself introduced!. I believe we all have positive attributes and qualifications that enable us to be effective instructors. If we are honest, sincere, approachable, and demonstrate a caring attitude, all varieties of personalities and uniquesnesses can be present and students will be receptive to the teacher. There is no one right way. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

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Selecting instructional media

Hi Claudia, I think teachers usually learn to be creative and resourceful. We tend to use what we have and make the best use of limited resources. As you suggest, variety in the delivery methods can still produce successful learning experiences. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

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Selecting instructional media

Hi Shantel, Good comments. I think we can begin by asking what is it that I want the students to learn. Next, I assess what resources are applicable, and from there, what resources do I have that's available. For instance, I might have to rent, or borrow, or go to a site (field trip) in order to have the students experience the benefit of a particular resource. Finally gathering or collecting the resources assist when I am ready for the class. The assessment process helps me determine where I may need to modify or alter what resources I thought would… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Claudia, I allow students to sit where they want but reserve the right to move a student at my discretion (sometimes a student will ask to be moved because another student distracts their concentration). circulating about is the easier way to at least keep students cognizant we expect them to pay attention while we are presenting or facilitating some activity. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

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Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Edward, I think you've added another potential use for pretesting, that of getting students to think critically and avoid the group think mentality. There's so much incorrect information out there these days, beginning a course with a reality check seems very refreshing. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

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Awarding extra credit

Claudia, Many educators in career colleges would agree with you, Claudia. So would the institutions where they work. There is a great amount of scrutiny occurring right now that requires for-profit institutions watch carefully that they are not abusing policies or acting out of compliance - as the threat of Congressional investigations could potentially ruin the business. EC is closely linked with giving away grades (in some instances), so schools are acting with caution. Barry Westling