Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Rebecca: Extra credit is becoming less used due to requirements being mandated by state officials and even Congress that students are held accountable for actual work, not fluffy easy work that requires little related assignments and earns an easy grade. Like yours, many institutions just don't allow it. I don't think it generally contributes to learning, more related to a grade. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Rebecca: I think stories about real-work-world captivates students and nearly always fets students intesests. Breifly sharing a story, then transitioning back to the lesson is not a bad idea. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Rebecca: Good idea. Most textbooks have supplemental exercises that most teachers don't necessirly plan to use but can provide a great resource for additional study. And as you say, it can also assist with students who may need additional help or demonstrate their mastery of the material. Students like games, too. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi Stephen: Super! When students grasp a vision for what their training can provide they will be interested and attentive, knowing what that awesome light at the end of a tunnel is going to produce. Sadly, not all students will take all we have to offer seriously, and some won't be a success in school or the woke place. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Sarah: Great examples! More sense is going to result in better retention and transfer to long term memory. Once there, it's more likely to add to the incredible capacity the brain has for information storage. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Scott: I prefer a bonus question on a test that demonstrates critical thinking. At least the student is earning the credit. Generally I think extra credit is more about grades and less about learning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Scott: Yes, and also, allow the teacher to reflect on past student performance and the lessons we gave, and plan for future classes as well. But the current students are who benefit most by pretesting. From it, we can decide where the most emphasis should be placed. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Scott: A prepared class is also a portrait of how a successful professional acts and behaves, prepares and organizes, and achieves successfulfness through planning and taking time to care for the students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Role of instructor personality in delivery selection

Hi Scott: Some personalities may tend to emphasize some traits more than others. But there are common traits that we are all cabable of embracing and consistently portraying to our students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Brenda: I use pretests every now and then - for me I don't feel I need to use them all the time. Mainly I find they're useful when I need to know something more specific about prior student knowledge, and will conduct a non-graded pretest to determine where the students are at. Regards, Barry