Barry Westling

Karen, I think this is great. I try to give students extra assignments that help them learn too. I just don't give credit for it. When I have in the past, students relied on it to get barely passing grades, missed assignments because they knew extra points were available, and stronger students resented their hard work not being appreciated (by weaker students getting extra attention). To them, it was a fairness issue. I feel if it's important to grade, then it is required and all students will be expected to complete it. Barry Westling

Karen, That's it in a nutshell. When we know where to focus, we are helping our students, based on the dynamics of the current class (which may have wholly different dynamics than prior or subsequent classes). Barry Westling

Karen, Mixing it up as you suggest is a good blend of learning tools to help keep interest, add variety, and makes classes more enjoyable, as well as instructional. Barry Westling

Karen, Field trips and outside speakers do break up the routine, but hopefully the experience and information they receive will also be a sort of "value added" activity that helps them in their perspective about the workplace and perhaps employment opportunities. Barry Westling

Kim, I believe getting a graded material back to students, discussed a reviewed (if needed). Students chat among themselves and I want there to be consistency in the information I want students to retain. Barry Westling

Kim, I find pretesting helps me the most in the area of planning where my emphasis will be in the duration of the course. Barry Westling

Kim, Yes, and that usually includes at least skills, knowledge, and appropriate behavior. Critical thinking would be great to impart to every student as well. Barry Westling

Philip, Yeah, there's nothing like knowing how one is doing well to take off some of the heat (stress) of class and striving to learn. That's why I like to communicate status and grades in person in order to offer support and encouragement. My students can always check their grades electronically. But this is just information. I like to bring their achievements to life whenever possible. Barry Westling

Philip, Yes, in spite of advising to avoid surfing (or even doing other course classwork during my class time) some students will not adhere to the warnings, stated on day-1, printed in the syllabus, and verbally reminded frequently. I never want to use instruction to penalize, but that said, if students have too much time on the hands, then additional learning activities seem warranted. Barry Westling

Sue, Great synopsis. I think when students take their studies seriously, most programs are developed in a manner that should guarantee student-graduate success in the workplace. Barry Westling