Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Latasha: One of the best ways to evaluate students is right at the moment the teacher is giviving the lesson. Teach, then ask a question. Repeat. Of course we need to do formal tests too, but checking for understanding as the lesson is occuring helps clear up misunderstanding. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Angela: Right! A pretest isn't always needed, I do them sporatically and usually that's onl;y when there is a lot of minutia I need to cover and have idea how much (or how little) the students know. Usually, students won't mind taking a "test" if they know it won't be graded but is informational purposes only. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Lorraine: For me, I don't always pretest but when I decide to, it is because I find it necessary to determine how much pre-knowledge I'm about to cover the students already possess. If they're on top of most it, I can alter where my emphasis for the material will be. Or, if they test poorly, I can modify my lessons in order to cover all the material and assure all students will served. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Sandy: I agree. And students generally want to know how they've done as soon as possible. Also, we can "encourage while we comment" when we share student status. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Faith: I choose not to use EC much because although it does help raise a students grade, it doesn't usually help in their learning. I want to be fair to ALL students. But the decision to use EC resides with the teacher and institution. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Sandy: Wonderful! These are great examples of engagement and variety to enhance the learning process. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Sandy: Yes, variety is really jey to keeping the students attention and focus. Routine is not bad - in may professions their job will have routine procedures. An there's nothing like repitition to assist with retention. But as a learning strategy, the more variety we can include, the more interesting the class will be. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Marina: To me, a journal is whatever a teacher wants it to include. The key is what is important to record to reflect on at some later date. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Hi Angela: Information overload is not good in most all situations, simply because at some point, we begin to lose students attention and focus. Using variety and alternative assignments related to a given topic can help. Also, where possible, getting the students to teach or participate in providing select segments of the lesson can help when time is an issue. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Sandy: I agree. With good preparation, students will appreciate that the teacher spent time and effort on their behalf, and therfore are more willing to accept the assignments, and perhaps put in a bit more effort because their teacher has been a good role model for it. Regards, Barry