Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Lori: I agree, and will add that electronic records and grading systems make this a somewhat more accessible task. Some classeses that put too much weight on categories that less important interferes with our purpose to measure learning, or to what degree learning occured. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Hi Lori: For me, I need to check for understanding frequent - I might even say continuously - in order to be assured all students are getting the information they need. I don't want to have to wait a day or two for a quiz or find out on an examination that many students missed important chuncks of information. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting evaluation methods

Hi Lori: Yes, you've touched on some important examples. I think an important key is to examine the student learning objectives, course outline, and topic outline, then, given what we know about the students, begin to think about how we can best teach thie material in a manner that will reach all the students - keeping them engaged and making the class interesting too. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Lori: This is OK, if the emphasis is on getting a grade. Assuring a student gets the learning needed is more important to me. For me unless all students are given the same assignments, there is an element that is imbalanced, and some students may even feel the action is unfair. For me, I just don't give EC, but each teacher and institution has to come to their own decion about it. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Lori: Good points. I think doing this early on, and as regular as possible is better than a just a mid-term only visit. Sharing information that conveys we care about the student helps build relationships too. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Lori: When we can individualize instruction, students are just more lilely to benefit and retain more. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Lori: For me, something that is relevant, low tech, and interesting that can be implemmented with little to no planning is one type of back-up plan for those days when equipment is absent/not working; resources needed are not available, etc. Striving to avoid wasting the students time takes some planning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Hi Lori: Segmenting key points is a great idea. Also, getting students to relate to facts and dates to information they already know is helpful.As you say, games can aslo be a way to increase retention. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Lori: Discussion, case studies, even work-related stories are all helpful to keep students interested and engaged. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Lori: I like that bottom line: Getting to know your students, because ultimately that is the best outcome from pretesting, in my view. Regards, Barry