Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Kenji: This is always a good idea. Academics can be a sensitive issue with students. In general, human beings will undoubtedly feel more comfortable to talk about these kinds of things in private, which you've described in your post. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Patrick: When you say "adds to the fury of my teaching", do you mean that it creates more work for you? Most institutions don't allow the use of extra credit. If an instructor is at liberty to use it, then it should be given out equally to all students in an unbiased way. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Joseph: Many institutions are of the mind of your physics instructor - if we allow overuse of extra credit possibilities, it may create a scenario whereby a student who is barely passing slips by without really having the ability to demonstrate they've learned anything. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Suzanne: Just to add to your list of possibilities, another thing these handouts might be good for are for those students that typically finish an activity before any of their classmates. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Tracey: Great idea! Another method might be to walk around the classroom if time allows. Sometimes, just the presence of the instructor in closer proximity to the student can help re-engage their attention. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Suzanne: That's right! And, like you've touched on, knowing grades in advance may also re-motivate a student to start changing study habits for more positive outcomes at the end of the course. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi George: It also allows the student to make on-course corrections mid-class instead of everything crashing down on them at the end. By improving study habits early, the student may experience a higher degree of success at the end. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi George: Most institutions are in agreement with you - extra credit should be a reward, not a means to pass a course if the student is barely passing. If used at all, it needs to be given out to everyone in an unbiased way. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Susan: Great idea! By keeping the student's intrests in mind, we can constantly facilitate what needs to happen to get them to understand and practice a student learning outcome. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Susan: The beauty of knowing one's strengths and weaknesses is that we can constantly strive to improve upon both - become even better at what we're already strong at, and improve our weaknesses until they become strengths themselves. Regards, Barry