Barry Westling

Hi Crissia, I know giving EC is a controversial topic. I've taught for 30 years and learned it really doesn't help students. So for me, I choose not to give it at all. Others may choose to do so. They may learn what I did, or maybe they'll be satisfied with whining students. That's OK with me. I just try to share what has worked and not worked for me. Barry Westling

Hi Libi, Yes, it can do that. Also o0f course, it can illuminate what they don't know, which allows the instructor to begin to customize the class based on the specfic and essential conteals that will need addressing. Barry Westling

Hi James, I think pretesting can extremely helpful in planning my general delivery plan, and also determining specific areas that may need more or less emphasis, which will allow the available time to be used in the most productive way. Barry Westling

Hi Kevin, Great! The key is to not embarrass a student in thye process, and to make sure they have the bulk of the information under their belt - otherwise the teacher will have to backtrack over too much misinformation given by the student. Yet, I agree, teaching a topic is a great way to learn it. Another application would be for students to teach each other in small groups, then present to the whole class. Barry Westling

Hi Jeff, Good - finding the right task or activity might reqiure the creative talents of the teacher. We want to keep the activity related to the subject matter and/or daily lesson. I look to the learning objectives for ideas on "how else can I teach this" for answers. Barry Westling

Hi Libi, Students like games, especially if they see that it's related to their learning, and it's lowkey with little weight attributed to their grade. Barry Westling

Hi Amber, Yes - variety adds to interes, and interewst adds to engagement, and engagement leads to retention, and retention results in learning. Barry Westling

Hi Kathy, Good. With back-up plans, we will actually be preparing additional material should there be extra time. Also, sometimes when thing don't (or can't) go as plkanned a good back up plan can be implemented. And if someone needs to cover a class due to illness or the regular teacher is called away, a back up plan can be used for that temporay period of time. Barry Westling

Hi Olmarys, Good deal! All great examples. Engaged means involved. Sometimes the reason lose interest is because they don't understand or have other things on their mind. Our purpose is to refocus this group with assistance and get them participating in an activity. Barry Westling

Hi Olmarys, Right. Combining activities breaks up the monotomy of slide after slide after... etc. An exciting class brings lots of instructional activities to enhance learning, and make it interesting and fun. Barry Westling