Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Claudia, I agree, but also recognize sometimes curricular standards or institutional ploices limit to what degree a teacher has the latitude to get creative wither classes and students. That said, I also believe we can be creative with existing curriculum to explore ideas that personalize the instruction that leads to individualized attention and successful learning outcomes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Susana, Yes, in the sense of pretesting as a planning tool, information about your students can assist planning for where additional or repetitios inforamtion may be needed for a course. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Martha, I've done this too. It's rather fun for all to see the amaxing progress students make. It can be a very motivating experience. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Joseph, If EC is given when students have completed all of their regualr assignments, then perhaps a bonus point or drop of lowest quiz score may be applicable. Giving EC just to compensate for low performance is a practice I choose not to participate in (that works for me, each teacher and schools has to decide what works for them). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Lisa, The worst abuse of EC is giving EC in lieu of low performance for missed or incomplete assignments. But there are creative ways to recognize student effort in a fair way, when it's discussed in advance, available to all, and graded in the same way. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Sherri, Good for you for holding your ground. EC rarely helps learning, so regardless of their grades, they "earned what they learned". Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Michael, Good - When a student can see what progress is needed, accurate information from their teacher is usually quite beneficial. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Betty, You're completly on target!. Also, students will give more respect to their teacher if they sense they care. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Susana, Most times, a student already enrolled has made a commitment to completing a class. So, giving, honest, sincere, and accurate advice about how the student can improve is usually received well, especially if done early on when there is enough time to make forward progress. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Lauren, Students need and appreciate knowing their status. Improvement can only come when the students knows their standing in the class. Barry Westling