Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Renee, Good ideas. Sometimes students just need a mental break from the sustained intensity of classes. Re-engagement and re-grouping kind of go together. So doing something that changes the flow often is all that is needecd. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Renee, Yes, job prepardeness is the goal. The best measure of that is the employers degree of satisfaction with the employees they hire. And when students are successful in their new employment, that marks the validity that our goals have been achieved. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Renee, Sure, without a good solid plan for the day or the lesson, achievement of a successful class is less likely, and certainly would not be the best learning experiences capable for the instructor to provide. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Kaley, I like to share grade and performance information in person. I want to be able to convey my confidence in them to do the work required for successful completion of the class. I had instructors who did this for me and I still remember the good feelings that instilled in me. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Kaley, Right, adding variety and changing the pace and tempo does a lot to keeping interest, involvement and student engagement. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Kaley, Yes, at times it may seem our students may not have learned anything. But then, when they secure employment, are successfuly working in the profession they trained for, that's where the satisfaction lies in knowing we had a part in their career and contributed to a better future for them and their personal lives. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Kaley, Yes, I have seen this too. Some experiences are so motivating that students will actually begin to buckle down and begin to take their classes more seriously. I think an activity that can inspire like that is very worthwhile. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Nicole, You're right, and I agree a personalized chat with students is important because it helps establish rapport, trust, and gives the instructor an opportunity to offer assistance in whatever way might be relevant. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Nicole, Right. And just like a post test that assesses what was learned, a pretest is a way to determine what prior knowledge in order to adjust the lesson plan or make minor modifications to the instructional plan. Students usually don't mind doing pretests, especially if they aren't graded (I would recommend non-graded pretests). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Mitchell, Your rationale makes sense and appears fair. Barry Westling