Barry Westling

John, I believe good instructors are willing to seek continuous improvement -- there is really never an end point. This is reinforced to me when I perform classroom observations and see the myriad of diversity in instructional delivery and activities. We should never stop learning. Barry Westling

Adrienne, Yes, and I think that often the instructors credibility is reinforced with students when they hear from another voice some of the same or related information that has been emphasized or touched on in the regular classes. Also, just a break from the routine is a nice thing to experience from time to time. Barry Westling

Tina, And sometimes a change in "voice", perspective, or emphasis can also add to make a more interesting and enjoyable experience. Barry Westling

Asha , It's good when students are involved in pertinent discussions regarding course topics. An instructor can also guide or steer the discussion so that it stays on point, avoiding too many deviations that get the topic off track. Nonetheless, regardless of the reason, time management is facilitated by having good, relevant back up plans for assuring the class period is productive. Barry Westling

Phyllis, Awesome! Tactile and sense of smell are two senses that I believe can be integrated into most classes or lessons in some way. They are powerful, as in the example of burnt fingers. And I know most have experienced a smell or odor that immediately brought back a memory, perhaps even from years past. Something like that is powerful, and instructors ought to look at methods to integrate even simple examples that will work to reinforce long term memory. Barry Westling

Leann, Variety is an awesome pattern to adopt. Having many alternative activities that lend themselves to the instruction message we're trying to convey helps keep interest, focus, and makes for more interesting and enjoyable classes. Barry Westling

Sonia, Great. Some refer to this activity as "checking for understanding", a great method for moving forward only so far in the lesson before deciding whether the bulk of students have a working understanding of the material. If not, time to back up a bit and review, then check for understanding again. Barry Westling

Sonia, Perfect! If done regularly I'm sure you find your students benefiting from the "preview of coming attractions". Barry Westling

Sonia, Every instructor and institution has to decide what works best for their students. In some classes, extra credit may be an appropriate motivator. Barry Westling

Dena, Great. Sometimes, sharing performance information earlier on (before mid-term) so that helpful suggestions can be given and there is still plenty of time to make needed corrections. Barry Westling