Barry Westling

Pamela, Many instructors integrate the field trip/guest speaker into the daily class session. Therefore, there is no conflict in this case. After hours, or extended time beyond regular class hours does present some logistical challenges. One way to handle that is to have an alternate assignment for those students who cannot make the scheduled activity, but get the same credit as if they attended. Barry Westling

Deborah, Field trips are definitely motivational, due in part to students beginning to see themselves in the work setting. Barry Westling

Deborah, I don't know of any specific studies, but I would guess that extra credit does not really contribute to learning in any significant way. It's probably most effective to alter points, percentages, and grades -- in that case, then it would be effective. Barry Westling

George, My first experience with pretests was over 40 years ago. My instructor would precede each major topic with a pretest, then he would assign the same test again at end of the module. Usually this would be a motivating boost to show how far we'd come. Barry Westling

Ali, Some instructor's in longer programs use pretests as a way to introduce a new learning segment or major transition in topics. Barry Westling

Deborah, Student led instruction is a great activity. Even in individual study groups, one way to self-assess understanding is to have the student try to explain the idea or concept to their peer students. If they encounter a rough spot, they have just identified a weak area that needs more attention. Barry Westling

Deborah, For me, I believe I have control of my classes and to a degree, can influence student participation. When that's not the case, I feel responsible to intervene to make sure that valuable class time is not wasted. Group activities are among methods that help reengage students. But I also want that activity to be meaningful (rather than a time filler). Barry Westling

Jan, I think if we can strive to engage students, getting them to participate in their own learning, multiple senses will be a natural outcome. Barry Westling

Deborah, This seems like a less than effective learning environment. I can say using another's PPT slides, even if they are from the publisher, is difficult. My suggestion is that when you reach a point in the slide you'd like to elaborate on, turn off the projector and conduct a thorough discussion. Barry Westling

Ali, Great self appraisal! Regarding mistakes, it's not so much their occurence, but whether we learn from them to make us better at what we do. Barry Westling