Barry Westling

Hi Jacqueline: Good deal. This one great use for keeping a journal. Some teachers like to reflect more, or keep track of student performance, or sometimes the spontaneous example that appeared during a discussion. These mnotes are valuable both in te short term and long term, even years later reviewing what and how things were done. Regards, Barry

Hi Michelle: Teaching to different learning styles is great! Sufficient material should be tied to the course objectives and student learning outcomes. We can give more, but that essential material needs to be presented. Using a variety of media, having back-up plans, engaging students in discussions all contribute to students participating in their own education, which will end up much more beneficial. Regards, Barry

Hi Michelle: If students expect extra credit beyond what is stated in the syllabus, the gradies get inflated, some students may feel some degree of unfairness (if they've done all the assignments) and assigning a grade may be somewhat subjective. I don't permit extra credit, period. Students know that from the start. But I will do everything I can to get them full credit for the regular assignments. Regards, Barry

Hi Brandon: Of course sharing course status is beneficial. I think more frequent and personal contact works the best for me. Frequent updates allow me to guage progress, and leave enough time for correction to have an impact on the students grade. It also reinforces trust and respect for each other. Regards, Barry

Hi Matthew: Too much too soon is probably a pretty common error. Challenging students to their limits is one thing; overwhelming them is another. Best way to remain balanced is to stay close to the course objectives, and then grade accordingly. Assuming competent instruction has occured, the teacher doesn't fail the student, but rather the student fails themselves. Regards, Barry

Hi Derbe: Great commentary. For me, I think student centered puts the emphasis on the students needs over my preplanned curricular plans and methods. It's like stating " curriculum-based vs student based" in terms of how the designated content will be delivered. Of course the basic content of the class has to be covered. But just as each student is different, so should the approach to teaching be individualized (as much as possible). Regards, Barry

Hi Tony: I think peer reveiew is a good exercise in objective, honest assessment. At times it can be humbling. But those willing to do it usually become better teachers as the result. When I know myself, I can be a more effective teacher, leaning towards where and how I can assist students. I need to be a genuine "me" rather than an artificial version of someone else (perhaps, without their specific strengths). Regards, Barry

Hi Joshua: My college uses a similar system. It works well for the reasons stated. The two biggest questions that arise from this discussion post is "is it fair" and "does it measure learning". Most understand there is no perfect method that works perfectly every time. Regards, Barry

Hi Joshua: Each teacher and institution has to decide what they consider to be fair and accurate measure of the student's performance. Extra credit has to do more with grades than the learning that occured. An essay with bonus points is not a bad idea - I would state that kind of activity at the beginning of of the class, then no one can feel like classmates received special treatment (one of the reasons many teachers don't use EC). Regards, Barry

Hi Matthew: Good points. For me, a good grading system accurately measures the degree to which the student learned. There are many ways to achieve this, but as long as it is fair, consistent, and is aligned with the course and student learning objectives, students will have no reason to object to their grades. Regards, Barry