Barry Westling

Hi Gregory: I like your focus on improvement because ultimately, although teachers use journals for different reasons, improvement as teachers (and individuals) is the result of reflection on past notes and comments. Chronological records, mistakes or inspirede moments, class progress, observations, frustrations - these are all examples of what teachers may choose to keep in their journals. The benefit is to read after several classes or several years, and review how the teacher looked at thinks at that time (as compared to present). Not all teachers journailze, but those that do find it a very useful tool. Regards, Barry

Hi Bernabe: Varieity is very important. Students retain more when differenjt media are used to provided the lessons. If a course has well written student learning outcomes and course objectives, that provides a great platform to choose alternative methods to teach from. I think we always want to think about how best can this material be presented in a manner that's effective, interesting, and memorable. Usiually, that won't be just one or two meddia choices. Regards, Barry

Hi Bernabe: Good. Prepared teachers do have a plan, have put time and effort into their preparation, have gathered the needed resources and are able to take student questins or unexpected interruptions in stride, seamlessly and calmly transitioning from one topic to the next. This usually doesn't happen by itself, work is involved in order to have good classes. Well prepared classes are noticed and respected by students, and teachers who fail to prepare well may not achieve the learning outconmes they hope for. Regards, Barry

Hi Carol: You have defined why many schools do the very same thing. Extra credit tends to inflate grades, is not fair to all students, rewards students for mediocre or absent assignments, interferes with consistent grading practices, and most of all, puts a focus on points and grades, more than learning. Regards, Barry

Hi Carol: It's probably true that everyone wants to do their best. When that's not the case, we have a duty to inform the student and give them the corrective information we think they need to make improvemnt. The earlier we can intervene is important since many students take some time to make corrections and apply the suggestions given. Honesty, kindness, caring words along with encouragement and support are keys to students accepting our advice, along with perhaps trust and respect. Regards, Barry

Hi Maria: Status or class standing is critical information to share. The more frequent this occurs the better in my opinion. Students need time to correct, and also to begin to make improvements. One simple technique is to always offer encouragement, support, and kindness when convey grade information to show there's nothing critical being convey, only assistance and suggestions for improvement. Regards, Barry

Hi Dale: You've got a good point and perhaps a principle. I think when we tell stories to illustrate a point or share a past experience in the work setting, students like these and relate to some of the facts, therefore more likely to remember. In memory training, they teach to associate something already known with something you want to know. In it's own way, stories, case studies, or past work examples are kind of like that too. Regards, Barry

Hi Tiffany: For me, one goal is to be able to transfer what I have to the students. What I have is a combination of work experiences, mistakes and many work situations, skilss, training, eduaction, credentialing, and lot's of life experiences to contribute to the lessons. Most of this is something my students don't have. So, if I can give as much as I have, the students can start off in their careers with a successful foundation. Hopefully, they will take what I've given and take that farther. That's how progress occurs too. Regards, Barry

Hi Gladine: Many employers agree that it's not the technical skills that get people fired, but the soft skills, or just the ability or willingness to follow basic rules of the job, common courtesy, good manners, professionalism, appearence, attendance, grooming, etc. Giving the essence of years in the field or trying to transfer what I've learned to the next generation is my basic goal. Applying to the work setting so a successful work career can occur compliments that instruction. Regards, Barry

Hi Tiffany: Yes, and the field trip is an excellent way to achieve this goal. Field trips can give the student a perspective about their chosen profession that really can't be taught or provided in a classroom setting. This activity motivates students because it's very close to the real world of work their studying for. Regards, Barry