Barry Westling

Ricardo, Wnderful! I frequently say that instructors who are experienced with pretesting find value in their use. Frankly, I don't know why someone would not want to gain insight into their students prior knowledge, and use that information to help them in their planning process. Barry Westling

Kurtis, I always think of evaluations as a measure of learning compared to some standard, usually course objectives or class topics. Assessments can test a students knowledge, and evaluations can complement the assessment by considering more subjective areas of learning. Together, assessments and evaluations should provide the student with a good understanding of their progress in the course. Barry Westling

Ana, Yes, and treating the sharing of grade information as an important activity will be appreciated by students. Advice, suggestions, and how to approach the class to achieve a successful completion helps reinforce mutual trust and respect, as it conveys everyone is working towards the same goal. Barry Westling

Stephanie, Most students appreciate the time and effort by their instructor to share grade information. When done personnally, 1-on-1, it can help establish a stronger relationship, and can allow the instructor to also be encouaging, supportive, and give advice if the student is open to receiving it. Barry Westling

Kurtis, When possible, a short pretest can be a helpful planning tool for the instructor, and students don't mind "taking a short test" especially if they know it will not be graded and won't count towards their grade. Barry Westling

Stephanie, Sometimes, I'll just stand next to stiudents while facilitating a class, and that'll be enough. Further, asking students questions frequently throughout a presentation keeps them engaged and alert. If needed (and applicable) a change up may be necessary, such as a short break or a change in the delivery format. Keeping the sessions lively with variety helps keep attention. Barry Westling

Stephanie, I agree and believe that a firm way to assure long lasting education is to integrate critical thinking into the curriculum. When students are able to move beyond mere recall of facts and memorized information, and begin to think on their feet and interact with situations from a rational, reasoned perspective, they'll be successful in the workplace. Barry Westling

Stephanie, Yes, respect is a valued aspect of trust the students reward their instructors with who they feel is prepared, ready, knowledgeable and helpful to them in their pursuit of learning. Barry Westling

Gail, I think this is sound. Many programs do something very similar with the rationale that learning is not limited to just one type of assessment of learning. It goes with delivery of course content using a lot variety. And with that, there is a variety of assessment categories. Barry Westling

Jacquvalon, Students value getting grade information, and giving it early on and regularly will help most because there will be more time if correction or adjustments in study habits are needed. Barry Westling