Barry Westling

Stephanie, Good back up plans can be substituted for regular lesson plans, even if things are going right. I've learned things I did as "back-up" turned out to be wonderful activities I've added to my regular curriculum. Barry Westling

Stephanie, You're right, I think adding a visual almost always adds clarity, is more memorable, and contributes to better retention. And, students get a break from the lecture routine as well. Barry Westling

Kelly, I like to think we're [providing both life skills that can help them in their personal lives along with the technical skill and knowledge needed for successful employment. Barry Westling

Kelly, Yes, introduced to the field, and perhaps expand into areas that are not referenced much in the classroom due to time or appropriateness. Students love field trips. Barry Westling

Robert, Great. Electronic grading (and instruction) is becoming more frequently used in classrooms, especially in vocational courses. I think the more frequent and early on we can inform students and ideally, meet with them in person to share progress, offer suggestions, and support will show we care and are interested in the students success. It can also illuminate areas the instructor may not be covering, or may need additional time spent on certain topics. Barry Westling

Stephanie, Great. Instructors who regularly use a journal find both the discipline of making notations, and the reflecting on the personal comments made weeks, months, or even years later are very instructive, and contribute to growth and improved competence. Barry Westling

Camille, I really enjoy the time I spend with students giving grade information. Good or bad, I feel I can present the information in a positive way and I like the strengthening of the relationship between me and my students. Barry Westling

Leticia, I don't like a lot of EC either, as it puts emphasis on points and grades, and mostly has little to doi with learning. Barry Westling

Camille, Even snipets of information that students view as a preview can be useful. And the pretest is a good way to provide previwin of content. Barry Westling

Leticia, This is a good strategy. I don't think it takes much to get things realigned with the topic. Stories are good because students like them and if we can refer to something applicable to the work setting, the student is likely to refocus to the topic. Barry Westling