Barry Westling

Hi Ted: I reccommend two approaches. One is to make sure all of your course objectives are included in the curriculum and that you make sure they covered thouroughly. Secondly, you want to test only to material you've covered. That doesn't mean you can't ask eassy or critical thinking questions, but remember students aren't mind readers, so make it straightforward and direct. Weight of different components is always a decision that's needed. A key I use is remembering I want to measure to what degree learning has occurred. So , perhaps, looking at the different couyrse components to decide what… >>>

Hi William: Ypu're right, there could be numerous meanings. In the classroom setting (the focus of this module), I believe student centered to be those activities, lessons, actions, and plans that attempt to reach the student where s/he is at, rather than force a student to conform to my inflexible curriculum and plan. Of course we need to cover our course objectives. But we know that students learn differnt ways. So, putting the focus on the individual student in order to teach them in a way they can relate to is one approach to being student centered. Another definition that's… >>>

Hi Kevin: A good easy resource for guest speakers might be to have a recent graduate, one who you know to be above par, who has secured a good job. They'd probably be flattered to asked to speak to your class. What they lack in experience, they compensate for with enthusiasm and "if I can do it, so can you" attitude. It creates a possible vision of potential future more real. Other suggestions are civic leaders, service clubs, professional societies, all these people are potentailly able to either personally assist, or can offer an inside referral to someone who can.… >>>