Barry Westling

Hi Stephannie: I think that it's probably true that the better students are the ones that will attempt all nthe opportnities to learn the material they can, and are the ones least in need of extra points. Which is kind of my perspective: Extra Credit has more to do with the awrading of points than it really does with learning. To be clear, I'm talking about slacker students who've missed assignments, had poor attendance and class participation, performed poorly on quizzes and tests. Now, they want to try to do something extra to earn points when they weren't willing to… >>>

Hi Gary: I think the sum of all our life experiences, past work experiences (good and not so good), education, training, skills and abilities, certifications, credentials, and licensing have brought us to the point at where we are as an instructional leader. We have a personality and approach that has to be based on what we've encountered or exposed to in the past. Using these attributes in a productive manner in the classroom requires that we pull together all we have gained and try to form the best learning environment. One approach that any teacher can use is to commit… >>>

Hi Tiffany: Good point. Part of knowing ourselves is being objective and being able to understand and appreciate another, perhaps even opposing viewpoint. Too often, because we feel we know the material and hvave taught a gazillion times, it's easy to lose sight of the fact that students have a different perspective. A key to this is to have good student learning outcomes, course objectives, and delvelop daily learning strategies that meet these outcomes and objectives from the perspective of the student who may be just a beginner. Be able to modulate between different levels depending on where the class… >>>

Hi Roger: It's unfortunate that classes have to resort to contracts, but in my program, all students sign a page that states they've read, understand, and had an opportunity to have their questions answered. A key principle here is expectation. I believe most students generally want to meet expectations, at least until they find a barrier (or let something become a barrier) that slows them down. Setting high expectations gives everyone at least a good chance of meeting the minimum. So, if we really want 85-90% by most of the class, we can set the expectation at 95-100%, with some… >>>

Hi Eon: You're right about so many positive attributes that could be commented on. For the field trip, students get out of their comfort zone and for some, maybe even for the first time, begigin to realize some of the realities that'll be coming their way as they progress in the profession. Could be a little scary. But more often, I think some student get really jazzed from the field trip experience. Realizing they will soon be a part of this profession. Motivated? You bet! A vision of a potential career that will brig happiness and satisfaction to someone who… >>>

Hi Christine: Ooooh...spooky metaphors! But you're right, teachers wear many hats and above all out to be able to demonstrate and provide leadership skills. That may mean delegation, or facilitation, or, guided direction, or demonstration, or first hand delivery of content and instruction. I think good teachers can facilitate students to participate and guide them to learn a lot on their own. But there comes a time when someone is in need of specific instruction or direction and good teachers will recogonize that need and step in and offer assistance. Knowing what we are capable of provides the parent-like sensitivity… >>>