Barry Westling

Hi Gregg: Good points. The more students know about what's ahead for them the better prepared they will be to approach the learning and instruction that accompanies it. Regards, Barry

Hi Connie: One way to look at this is to answer the question "Am I here to teach" or "What can I do to help students learn?" The answer to these two questions defines if we're focused on the student and have their interests as our emphasis. Regards, Barry

Hi Micahel: Pretesting does give insight into where the students are in their learning. Where it helps the teacher is in planning where adjustments or modifications are needed in the curriculum in order for the students to achieve the learning objectives and outcomes. Regards, Barry

Hi Victoria: I think all of these ideas are creative and if willing to try, they'd be effective. The idea in using sense is to try to immerse the student in as many stimulations as possible to inhance the learning experience - whether that be in the classroom or lab, or in the students's own personal study. More senses equates to more retention of learning. Regards, Barry

Hi Dixie: Preparing for the unexpected is just good planning. Just about any exercise or activity can be modified to suit diiferent or unusual circumstances. We just need to thing about "what would I do if..." Regards, Barry

Hi Mary: Great. These electronic classroom adjuncts really assist students in many ways. I think it's important to connect with the students to build relationships, even if they have access to information. The more natural open, and honest we can be with our students, the more receptive they'll be to our instructional activities. Visiting with them, even informally helps achieve this. Regards, Barry

Hi Katherine: Sounds like you've got some time challenges there. Sometimes, we just have to work with what we have. If your institution allowed for this, perhaps you could have an activity assigned to students that occurs at the last 10-15 minutes of the first class. This might give you an opprtunity slip out briefy and take care of an errand. You might consider a student led discussion by one or more of your better students you trust to keep things in order in your absence. Regards, Barry

Hi Melissa: Sounds like this point really hit home for you. That's graet. This is a tool that is really underused, and that's unfortunate, because it's really a valuable tool many teachers don't use. Regards, Barry

Hi Victoria: I think students can relate to recent graduates in a way different from others, such as seasoned professionals. Even if the guest is less than a polished speaker, the information they possess is able to reach the current students. You're right, this resourse is much less trouble than arranging a field trip, although these can extrememly valuable as well. Regards, Barry

Hi Tracy-Ann: Nothing is wrong with a few extra points. I think our primary role as teachers is to assure the student has learned the required material. I would not pass a student (via extra credit) if I felt they were deficient with needed course content. Perhaps in some courses it's not as important. But in others, (medical, legal, business), some material just absoultely must be mastered because the results of their "learning" may affect the lives of others. Regards, Barry