Barry Westling

Thomas, Great! Any new information about prior or current knowledge is beneficial, even if it's just a bit. Tailoring lessons to better meet student needs can only help students learning the material in the class. Barry Westling

Christie, Touch and sight are relied on so much, but other senses (balance, temperature, pressure, smell, pain, etc.) can be just as stimulating and assist with recall. I think about a smell and an instant memory from long ago is recalled. That always demonstrates how powerful some senses can be. Barry Westling

Patti, In my opinion, policies for extra credit should also be discussed and included in the course syllabus (if it's allowed). If not allowed, that should also be clearly stated in the syllabus. Barry Westling

Patti, I don't always use pretesting, but reserve it for times when I virtually no knowledge about my students prior knowledge. When I do use it, its not comprehensive or long, but just a sort of barometer to give me a feel for where the class as a whole is presently at. Barry Westling

Patti, Variety, especially electronic (PPT, video, You-Tube) really does add to enhance the learning environment. Changing the delivery format frequently (especially during longer classes) also helps. I try to only use what I feel will add to the instruction, not use it just because I have it and its available. Barry Westling

Patti, I'm a true believer in student centered instruction. I'm fortunate and appreciative that I have the autonomy to modify and make adjustment to my classes in order to meet student needs. But even in more structured programs or classes, creative instructors can usually find ways to meet students needs. One simple way is to plan regular informal chats that give some indication where students have been and to a degree, what their capabilities are. Barry Westling

Shiketheia, Electronic grading really helps. When added with some personal contact, advice and encouragement, students ought to feel we care and want them to be successful. Also, we are there soley for them. Barry Westling

Shiketheia, Hopefully we can meet the needs of all of our students. Any prior infomation about their knowledge base has got to be valuable, and pretesting is one way to acquire some of that. Barry Westling

Robert, If grades and course performance is valued as a measure of the students learning at various frequencies, it is essential that the "barometer" of progress thus far is timely. Delays in sharing grades can hinder the instructional progress, especially if students are unaware of incorrect information, mistakes made, or errors in thinking or understanding. The more frequent, the better. Barry Westling

Robert, I believe it's never innappropriate to review material that is essential to the topic or greater objective of the course being taught. Good students take it in stride, a constant reinforcement of what they know. And weaker students benefit as repetition is among one of the tenets associated with memory and recall. Barry Westling