Barry Westling

Hi Daniel: One of the benefits of using pretests is they may help reveal what kind of learning style your student uses. Knowing this may help you create more effective lesson plans. Regards, Barry

Hi Daniel: The problem with consistent disorganization from an instructor is the potential loss of credibility with the students, and the message it may send, which is “I’m not concerned enough about your learning to be organized for you”. Regards, Barry

Hi Pamela: Using color, or the student’s senses during lesson plans is another great way of employing as many teaching methods as we can in hopes of addressing as many learning styles as we can. We understand that most students learn by a combination of these styles. If we can use teaching methods that address these styles, we increase the chance of a student understanding and retaining the material. Regards, Barry

Hi Linda: Some institutions have moved away from allowing the use of extra-credit due to some issues that arise. If a student can pass a course without demonstrating an understanding of the primary concepts, that may end up resulting in angry feelings from other students who have worked hard to earn a solid grade. Regards, Barry

Hi Linda: One idea when selecting course material and media is to try employ as many teaching styles as we can in order to address as many learning styles as possible. Selecting material and presenting it in a visual, audio, and kinesthetic way is generally considered the most efficient method of delivery. Regards, Barry

Hi Linda: One thing that may work well with reviewing SLOs on a regular basis is to write out the daily objectives (that correlate with the overall objectives) on the white board each day. Additionally, the instructor might review these daily objectives both at the beginning of the class, and at the end. Regards, Barry

Hi Duane: Using color, or the student’s senses during lesson plans is another great way of employing as many teaching methods as we can in hopes of addressing as many learning styles as we can. We understand that most students learn by a combination of these styles. If we can use teaching methods that address these styles, we increase the chance of a student understanding and retaining the material. Regards, Barry

Hi Robert: Some institutions have moved away from allowing the use of extra-credit due to some issues that arise. If a student can pass a course without demonstrating an understanding of the primary concepts, that may end up resulting in angry feelings from other students who have worked hard to earn a solid grade. Regards, Barry

Hi Kelly: One thing we can say about the overall goal of education is to help our students become more effective decision makers - in school, in their careers, and in life. Regards, Barry

Hi Gary: Also, one of the advantages of evaluating and then reviewing a test with the group is that it might allow a student to gain a better understanding of the rationale they need to answer similar questions that will occur on future exams. Also, it might trigger new questions about the subject matter that will help to stimulate a better understanding of the concepts overall. Regards, Barry