Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Dixie: You have admirable goals. I believe they're obtainable. When a teacher sincerely cares, is trusting and honest, is approachable and willing to spend needed time with their students, not threatened by students (questions or challenges to a teaching point), is self assured and well prepared in their subject matter - these and many similar traits are going to lead to a learning environment where students will be interested and attentive, and likey achieve improved learning outcomes. Good teachers can inspire and motivate. The beginning of that is to be natural and open with students as individuals. Students sense… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Dixie: Yeah, I've expereinced that too. I think it's like a truth or principle: there are many ways to define it or slice it, but the root of the principle will always hold true. So, as this example, in the past when I've covered what I thought was all of the needed information, I was inspired to add information that was new. Some of that information became incorporated into subsequent classes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Dixie: That is a great axiom. To me it just underscores the responsibility teachers have to effectively transfer their knowledge to their students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Barbara: Great point that underscores the benefits of using a journal/diary/class record. I've found there are a many variations that teachers use to accomplish this, and just as classes are each individual and uniques, so are the methods by how teachers keep track of their thonghts, ideas, and reflections. For instance, some use a simple pocket calendar. Whichever way is used, it makes sense to keep a record of some kind. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Debra: Students know when a teacher is ready for class. We can compliment that by having and orderly and clean environment, and expect the same from the students. A golden opportunity to be a good role model and emphasize what makes for better settings for learning. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Greg: Good comments. One guage that a teacher is moving towards student centered approaches is when the students feel they are the priority, and they can feel every activity is being assigned or facilitated in order to help them in their learning journey. Restaing your sentiment, I say rather than teaching classes, we want to facilitate learning. That's a student centered teacher. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Greg: Yes, I like your term powerful. Being a reflective tool, when a teacher memorializes a thought or comment, or idea, improvement in the course and ultimately in student learning is likely to be the result. I also think there are other ways besides a journal to caputure memories or thoughts, and many are very simple. Pos-it notes, colored paper notes inserted alongside a page in the curriculum binder, or references to websites are a couple examples I use that's proven effective. But a journal offers a chronological narrative of ideas and is very suitable for teachers who adopt… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Greg: Both activities are valuable in their own ways, and I encourage faculty to incorporate them into their classes where possible. I agree students can be inspired by these activities. Sometimes, for the first time, students will recognize they will soon be expected to perform something similar to what they are hearing about or seeing. That epiphany can be profound and extremly motivational. I believe unless someone is motivated from within, it's difficult to force it on them. That's why, when the motivaion is internalized and sincere, these activities are valuable and beneficial to students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Greg: Yes, we have one chance to make a good first impression. Of course, every class should have the same expectations for orderly, prepared lessons accompanied by all needed resources, in an environment where students feel their teacher sincerly cares about their learning and success. It really takes effort to make a so-so class into a memorable one. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Enrique: I think a small amout of EC is OK, but only if it does substitute for required work. A student seeking EC when they haven't completed all other required assignments is not fair to students that are compliant. What really matters is what learning has occured. A teacher can have points and assign grades, but if students haven't learned all they should, the points really matter little. Regards, Barry