Barry Westling

Earl, Great! By being sensitive to the mood and flow of the class, we have a greater opportunity to meet both individual and class needs, as we're willing to make adjustments in our instructional plan. Barry Westling

Salvatore, Yes, it's true, we create subtle expectations based on our actions and behavior. Even if our students are sometimes less prepared or compliant, we have a duty to be ready to give our best every class session. Barry Westling

Yvonne, Often, an instructor will also see their own effectiveness in the instructional process when they provide feedback to their students. Barry Westling

David, Many factors are involved. For a class that meets every day, a week should not go by that students are given some sort of feedback. The real answer is often enough so that students have an opportunity to understand their progress and have time enough to make corrections in their study habits, preparation, or assistance with remediation. Barry Westling

Yvonne, Yep, a good back up plan can save the day from an otherwise "worst day of the month" kind of experience. Barry Westling

Yvonne, Our goal is to assure that all students meet or exceed the defined student learning outcomes. Barry Westling

Yvonne, And reflection is one self directed way to become better instructors. Barry Westling

David, A couple of ideas: Pair weaker with stronger students and then engage the class in a discussion; Assign 5 or 6 small groups to work together on a poster board or flip chart, intended for discussion with other class members. Students get distracted because they are not prepared, ill, bored, don't understand, or preoccupied. If an instructor can determine what the distraction may be, they will have a better idea on how to correct it. Barry Westling

April, Trust, respect, and credibility are essential to assuring the best class dynamics, and an organized, prepared instructor has the best chance to achieve and maintain that level of morale. Barry Westling

Lillie, I'm not surprised. A good guest speaker or field trip can really energize a class. Barry Westling