Barry Westling

Hi Eric: Motivation, inner drive, enthusiasm, excitement - these are attributes possible when a student gets a vision of a potential future and a chance for a better life. That's a might strong force. Regards, Barry

Hi Eric: Problem areas, or another way of saying where more empgasis is needed and not wasting time where emphasis is not needed. Regards, Barry

Hi Eric: For me, I just don't give extra credit. I have in the past and there are just too many problems with it, least among them the principle of grade inflation. Subjectivity, fairness, and missed course objectives are factors that seem to interfere with giving it, so I've learned just not to go there. Each teacher and institution needs to decide for themselves what their guidelines are - then stick to them. Regards, Barry

Hi Melissa: Preparing for lifelong learning is a worthy cause. Giving students the basic tools (information and skills) to get a good job is a start. Regards, Barry

Hi Robert: Very true. Managing a class period or session requires our senses to be tuned to things like: * Are the students listening * Who's not paying attention * Am I being effective * Is everyone engaged To do this while trying to coordinate getting class ready, making copies, focusing on questions, just won't cut it. Regards, Barry

Hi Robert: Personality is important, but it has to be natural. Student desire honesty and genuineness in their instructors. Trust and respect can improve when students feel their instructor is being up front with them even if the news is less than wonderful. Regards, Barry

Hi Nicole: One component for me is assuring learning abd course objectives are met; skills (if applicable) are met; and my expertise along with a willingness on the the part of the student combine to produce a qualified graduate capable of seeking and obtaining meaningful work. Regards, Barry

Hi Janet: PPT can make an otherwise less than interesting topic more enkoyable. But have to be careful that it doesn't contribute to the loss of attention and focus due to poor formatting, length, amount of information on a slide, and a host of other no-no's common to novice PPT users. Regards, Barry

Hi Christine: Great! The more media interspersed with discussion and lecture, the more meaningful and memorable your classes will be. Regards, Barry

Hi Christine: It's a time saver too, as the teacher learns what needs more emphasis. Sometimes, doing the same test at the end of the class shows students how much they've learned. Regards, Barry