Barry Westling

Reshona, This sounds like a good policy. All I would comment is this should be spelled out clearly at the beginning of the course, and whatever guidelines you give for it need to be followed exactly. Barry Westling

Reshona, Great. Remember, too, that these pretests can be as much or as little as you feel is needed or you want to find out. Even just one or two questions can be appropriate at times. Barry Westling

Reshona, I've observed this too. Sometimes students will get inspired so much, because they have had only a vague idea about what their career education profession offers. Barry Westling

Dave, So true. The importance of creating an inviting learning environment cannot be overstated. We want to facilitators and a conduit for instruction, not a barrier. Barry Westling

Vickie, Right, and that application is the true test that learning has occurred. Barry Westling

Sandra, Yes, and sometimes I find there is great disparity between high and low achievers, and that requires adjustment in the instructional plan. Thank goodness the pretest can help identify some of that disparity. Barry Westling

Robin, I think when students have immediate access to grades, and are informed regularly about their performance, they know where and what needs improvement, almost as an edge. This frequent status sharing ought to be one primary focus of the instructor. Barry Westling

Robin, You are on the right track. There is an idea called "the flipped classroom", essentially all that would be done as homework is conducted in class, where there is the availability of the instructor to guide, assist, explain, support, encourage, correct mistakes, etc. Then, PPT lectures, reading and traditional class activities are conducted at home. In this setting, students excel because of near complete access to their instructor. To whatever degree this is employed, this variation of student centered learning is a win-win proposition. Barry Westling

Jeff, Right. I imagine better photographers are somehow able to capture moments and a feeling. Photography is out of my expertise, but perhaps using colored sand, watercolors, or paint mixtures to create "a feeling" or mood could be used as a supplementary activity to emphasize the power and influence color has visuals, such as photos? Barry Westling

Robin, Interactive lessons involve multiple senses, and therefore, retention of learned material is more likely to be recalled and applied. Barry Westling