Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi David: Also, these can help show you what kind of learner you have, which can help make lesson planning more effective. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi David: Very true - used as a reward to hard working students, not as a means to pass the course when they haven't demonstrated an understanding of the basic concepts. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Paul: Questions followed by discussion also works great. As long as the students feel like they have some solid information after the discussion information, and aren't more confused then at the beginning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Laura: And, by doing this on a consistent, regular basis, the students can make minute changes in study habits to facilitate a more successful outcome. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi Tammy: Keep in mind that depending on the amount of information an instructor must navigate through, we are allowed to be creative in how we present that. For example, have a lecture on the most important items. Then, switch to an activity on the lesser important items. Then, have a third activity that reviews the most important items from the lecture at the beginning. Try this out! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Tammy: Another approach is to have the instructor walk around the learning environment while lecturing. This puts them in closer proximity to the students, but may not be practical for every class. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Herb: Another negative aspect about extra credit is that it may allow a student to pass the course when they have not demonstrated a clear understanding of the main ideas. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Tom: And, these can help show the student what they are missing for a full understanding. If they know this, they may be able to work on it before or during the class to help themselves keep up with everyone else. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Tom: Great idea! Also, if posible, having the instructor walk around while lecturing, puting themselves in closer proximity to the student may also help with this issue. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Hi Tom: One way to verify if the student is getting the information they should be (as listed in the syllabus), some instructors have found that reviewing portions of the syllabus, say right before a mid-term examination can help identify the items that were missed. Regards, Barry