Barry Westling

Donald, The ability to demonstrate learning in individual and creative ways is a great concept. I'm not sure doing it by extra credit would be the best category anyway. I'm sure you would want all students to participate -- why not look for a category that already exists for an assignment, such as "applied learning assignment", or something similar, that all students could do, and it would part of the required graded assignments? Just an idea. Barry Westling

Timothy, I would say "preparation", which like you, could mean all that is needed within the scope of of the instructional focus. Hopefully we convey tenets of good citizenship and problem solving skills along the way too. Barry Westling

Sean, Good instructor's do want to keep a pulse on who is doing well and poorly. I believe personal interaction with students works best to help establish rapport, build trust, and earn respect. In doing so, students will be more apt to accept my suggestions. Barry Westling

Sean, Students usually feel they are either adequately prepared or underprepared. In my experience, I usually wind up with a mixed bag, so my job is to narrow where I want to focus my emphasis with this class, with these students, this time. The next go around, the emphasis may be way different. Barry Westling

Donald, Your students will appreciate your desire for more variety. It's pretty well known that more variety adds to information retention, and also just makes classes more interesting and enjoyable. Barry Westling

Sean, Right, good outcomes would at the minimum include the skills and knowledge associated with realistic employment expectations. Problem solving, written and oral communication, and and a posiitive attitude are among other practical goals. Barry Westling

Sean, True, many students come to us with little perspective about what's required for successful career education. Sometimes weak in academic preparation, but also in professionalism. When possible, I beleve we can strive to be role models for students to emulate. Preparation is a part of that example. Barry Westling

Marketa, I agree. Too often points and grades are dervived, but the real question is "did students learn, and to what degree?" Barry Westling

Marketa, I think many newer instructors assume their students are arriving with a base knowledge of prior learning. But the reality is nearly every class will be a mixed bag of past experiences, skills, and abilities. Pretesting can help assess, then identify exactly where this class, this time, is performing. Barry Westling

Brian, On course correction is a great strategy to assure all are on the same page and to facilitate best practices and resources in nearly any learning envirnonment. We have to be willing to subject ourselves to critical appraisal if meaningful change is a hoped for outcome. Barry Westling