Barry Westling

Hi Mariann: Taking a basic teaching point and then examining it by different media delivery methods is great in that it reinforces the important points and students will soon realize what is important - and why - just from the repetition. Regards, Barry

Hi Bobbi: Many institutions have a similar policy. Their rationale is sound, however, arguments can be made in favor for or against offering EC. Regards, Barry

Hi Bobbi: In online, it is essential that information be kept up to date due to the mnature of students viewing information at various times. If not already part of the class plan, I would try to post an announcement, group email, individual email, live chat session, discussion post every day - something that implies "I'm here, I'm listening, I'm ready and available to help you!" Regards, Barry

Hi Deborah: Great idea! You are enabling them to be active participants in a guided, directed manner. This should help keep all your class somewhat together as the move from lesson to lesson. Thanks for sharing! Regards, Barry

Hi Bobbi: I agree that sometimes it doesn't take much to get students refocused. Other times, a whole change-up is required - that is, changing media, topics, demonstrating something or telling a story, or moving to a different segment, such as lab, if that's applicable. Some days it's just very difficult to keep students focused. That's where "going with the flow" can be effective. Other times, when there is necessary information to be covered, we just need to be creative in keeping attention. Regards, Barry

Hi Bobbi: You've identified a true principle. Why take valuable time away from students teaching material they already know when there is more depth and challenging topics to covered, and that time could be used there? Or maybe the text resources just organize information differently than our lesson plans. All good reasons to take a peek at where our students are at before we begin. Regards, Barry

Hi Bobbi: Great. You hit it squarely on target, in my opinion. Good! Regards, Barry

Hi Bobbi: I think a key word in your post is understanding. Conveying information we have, to students (who don't have) is the magical transformation from unlearned to learned. Regards, Barry

Hi Bobbi: Journals can also be records, reflections, reminders, personal thoughts, etc. Sometimes it's only after reflection that we can realize what might be working in the classroom (i.e., our perception vs. the students perception). Regards, Barry

Hi Deborah: I believe pretesting can guide the teacher to examine alternative methods to deliver the course content (course goals, objectives, outcomes)based on student performance. Regards, Barry