Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Margaret, Physical activity nearly always works for me too. "Break the funk to get back on track". Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Carl, Very true. It is important information to students even though it may be mere routine for the instructors. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Brandi, I usually build in some "adjustment points" into components that contribute to the final grade. Most often this is like dropping the lowest quiz score, and giving an additional optional essay question of the midterm and final. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Brandi, Yeah, I call this "student speak", a phenomenon where some students seem to understand an explanation better from one of their own peers. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Carl, Good plan. I always figure there will be new information, more questions, and different discussions that arise, so I plan that "wiggle room" into my time planning. Like a road trip, it's just unwise not to plan for unexpected delays. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Brandi, This can be an effective method to reengage. I've learned that sharing a brief story about some interesting, unusual, or "hard to believe" situation from the work setting has the same effect on students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Linda, Sometimes the backup plan ends up being the more effective approach. That's happened for me many times. This also breaks the fear of trying something new. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

William, Yep, this sounds like a sound way to make learning memorable and significant. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Brandi, Pretty much, multiple senses will be used anytime there is physical activity, such as in lab or skills-oriented lessons. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Linda, Giving students some part of the decision as to what methods they prefer can be a helpful approach, as there may be more commitment to participate when the students have a stake in the decision and outcome. Barry Westling