Barry Westling

Hi Stephanie:
Very important to discuss individual student performance as frequently as possible. Electronic grading has simplified some aspects of this task, but it cannot replace the human touch.

I think students do better when they feel their teacher is pulling for them. This can be accomplished by demonstrating courtesy, kindness, honesty and sincerity, and caring words and suggestions sprinkled with encouragement and support.

That's the kind of teacher I'd want.

Regards, Barry

stephannie Barker

I agree but also add you may need to evaluate the class often as they progress and their learning habits grow or their attention diminishes.

Barry Westling

Hi Marie:
Large classes are difficult to individualize instruction. There areways to do it that are effective (you may already do all of these suggestions):
* Circulate when lecturing to make closer eye contact
* Calling studnts by name
* Using students examples for illustrtions in the lessons
* Sending "balnket emails" to student groups, such as all students who performed well on a test (one email, addresses go in the bcc address so it appears as an individual email)

Anything a student receives that's a bit different from what the whole class recieves makes class a little more personal. A little extra time can make a student feel supported and encouraged.

Regards, Barry

Marie Bosley Gordon

I agree that individualizing instruction is needed to help students build upon their current knowledge and education but as an instructor that has taught large classes I do struggle with individualizing instruction.

Barry Westling

Hi André:
True, yet it's usually a reality tht one style will not fit or conform to the whole class. Individulizing instruction is a great way to reach all of your students if time allows the teacher to learn which learning style works best for each student.

Regards, Barry