Barry Westling

Barry Westling

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Blake, Great, I hope this works for you. I have never had a stronger student complain about the level of material being tested or presented. Nearly all can always do with a review of material. Students are usually so interested in their specific grades that they don't seem to mind easier to grasp course material. Barry Westling
Jenny, while it's easy to say "prepare with more than is needed", the practicality of that is sometimes a challenge. Having good backup plans can serve nicely to fill extra time remaining, or used as an alternative activity to keep the flow and interest of the class. Barry Westling
Jenny, Yeah, lecture and lab at school is one thing, but taking an active part in the profession in real life settings is important. And when students can visualize themselves in work settings, they usually become a bit more motivated and inspired to do their best. Barry Westling

Blake, One idea is teams - teaming up stronger with weaker students when questioning. A variation is assigning these teams beforehand with homework, prepared to discuss the next day. Another idea is to "randomly" select students to come to the white board to be a transcriber, writing your words. Although weaker as an exercise, it's a way to engage the quiet ones, and involves multiple senses. If your class takes a break mid class, you could also require each student has to give a correct answer before exiting the classroom. Really anything you want to do, can be effective if… >>>

Jeff, Right, and without feedback that's current, action could possibly be misdirected or diminished in scope. Barry Westling
Dave, Yeah, grades are so important to students, for some, a reflection of their personal worth and self esteem. While not accurate, instructors should recognize that it exists, and do all we can to inform, encourage, support and advise. Barry Westling
Jeff, I like to use a "unofficial" pretest as a ice breaker kind of activity on day one. With no expectations or grading concerns, it's a great way to loosen everyone up, get a discussion going, and learn something about one another in the process. Barry Westling
Tonaya , Good idea. The possibility of someone taking an innocent joke or comment the wrong way is not worth the grief and possible loss of trust and/or respect that may occur. I say this from past unplsesant experiences. Barry Westling
Blake, Great, it does take a discipline to make this effective, but the results are the prize! Barry Westling
Dave, One component of "disasters" is the loss of control. To minimize that effect is to "practice for the plan" by periodically inserting a non-scheduled event into the daily mix as a sort of practice drill. Barry Westling

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