Barry Westling

Lawrence, Right. It is a great planning tool for instructors. I think when we have knowledge of prior learaning we are able to be better instructors providing the cuurent topic information. Barry Westling

Vera, It takes some planning to decide how best to deliver the content in a way the students will understand, and presented in an interesting way and where students will retain the essential information. This is where some knowledge of students prior learning can help. Also, looking at past classes and the delivery methods are another way to decide what and how more challenging topics can be given. Barry Westling

Jacqueline, Some instructors embrace using the teaching journal, while others avoid it. It really is an individual choice. For me, I get great benefit and satisfactioon being able to refer back to comments made, observation, notations I don't want to forget, and just thoughts about class, students, curriculum, and my employment. It's so interesting to look back over many years and see growth, improvement, and maturity as an educator. Few other activitives can provide that kind of perspective. Barry Westling

Jacqueline, Having graduates return is special and usually meaningful. What new working graduates lack in extensive work experience, they usually make up for in enthusiasm, portraying the profession with admiration and high regard, and bridge their current work with thier experince at the school, being quite familiar with school policies, practices, and curriculum. Barry Westling

Jack, True, conducting class is like a journey, and students benefit knowing how close to their destination they've come. Barry Westling

Kendall, Right. No surprises. Plus, if there had been a regular dialog all through the course, trust and respect are enhanced. Barry Westling

Belinda, Many instructors and institutions feel as you do. Raising grades through weak assignments with little instructional value simply to beef up a grade is not helpful to anyone, especially the potential employer who may have to find this out the hard way. Barry Westling

Jack, Right. It's a good planning tool for instructors. Barry Westling

Belinda, I find most classes have students at all levels of prior learning. To the extent possible, I want to be able to make adjustments or modify my lessons so that the greatest number of students can benefit from the class lessons I prepare. Barry Westling

Kendall, Great. You've prepared yourself well for the unexpected which is likely to occur at some time for all of us. Barry Westling