Barry Westling

Hi Casey: This sounds like a great activity - suitable for all students. Why not just incorporate the assignment as "required", and give all students the opportunity? Regards, Barry

Hi Creighton: For me, selection of media is simply choosing the best methods I can use to get my message, lesson, or infromation conveyed to my students. There are a gazillion ways to deliver information; my challenge is to find which ones will be the most efficient, instructive, helpful, and useful given the resources I have available to me. I try to add as much variety as possible, and use only short sessions of any one type of media. Regards, Barry

Hi Scott: I think the field trip experience is almost magical in the way it can transform the interest of students in their career area. Perhaps because they begin to realize they will soon be required to perform duties similar to what they see, they get motivated to do better in school. Anything that has that effect on students is a good thing! Regards, Barry

Hi Creighton: I like your tie-in to self accountability. When students learn they should be able to apply it, and the sooner the better. So by giving frequent and expeditious feedback students are able to lern of their mistakes, make adjustments in their thing, and there is still time for correction, which will help their grade as well. Regards, Barry

Hi John: When students feel there is some benefit to them, that'll keep them interested. So, one thing a teacher can do is to stop, tell a story or past situation related to their work setting will help keep them interested. Then, transition back to the topic. Regards, Barry

Hi Richard: Prepared teachers have put time, thought, effort, and planning into each class session. Organizing the materials needed, gathering resources, and making time for students. Smooth, calm and logical sequencing of topics, and assuring all objectives are met will be the result - and students will notice. Regards, Barry

Hi Richard: Choosing media is simply selecting what you think will best teach your students the needed content. For instance, PPT or discussion, whiteboard or overheard, class exercise or take home assignments, etc. Regards, Barry

Hi Rhonda: You are right - student centered focuses on the student, their needs and individual learning styles, limitations, stregths, etc. It puts the student first, and the teacher's priorities secondary. Regards, Barry

Hi Maria: Selecting media is simply choosing the best way to deliver information in your courses, For instance, Is a PPT or discussion better to supplement your lecture, and so forth. If it's your class, you can always get information from your peers, but ultimately you want to be able to present your couse in the most smooth, effective method possible. Regards, Barry

Hi Richard: Pretesting allows adjusting the learning plan to better address student needs. Regards, Barry