Barry Westling

Hi Kate: You've really summarized the tenets of courtesy and professionalism. We can lead by example. In doing so, we earn respect and probably more effort by the student to consistently try their best in modeling our practices. We can also speak about such things, but if they're not practiced, the students will notice, which could result in a lower opinion of the teacher by the students. That's unfortunate, but I think it happens and is one of many reasons to strive to be prepared and ready for all our classes. Regrads, Barry

Hi Dixie: You're applying this to your English composition class but I think your emphasis on the students interest is applicable to almost every type of class. I don't mean writing about their interests necessarily, but just taking a sincere, caring, and personal interest in the students when there's interaction will demonstrate that interest. It may even inspire, encourage, and result in excelling far above what anyone expected. There's really no reason to expect anything less is there? These are the attributes students most often cite when commenting about "their best teachers". Regards, Barry

Hi Carol; Ideally, one of the benefits of using a pretest is to determine where all of the students are in preparation for the upcoming class. Regardless what the should have learned, pretesting reveals their performance at that point in time. I think it can help plan the lessons by targeting identified weaker areas that the teacher will want to spend extra time on. It can also be like "previews of coming attractions" to students who can anticipate the next level of instruction that awaits ahead. Regards, Barry

Hi Amy: Sometimes students just arn't interested in paying attention or are preoccupied with other thoughts not involved with class. Even teachers feel this way sometimes, don't you think? I believe when the environment is surrounded by interesting lessons or activities, enthusiastic teachers, and engaging course work that involves the students in the learning process, the level of participation and engagement is going to be higher. Sometimes, just a momentary change of pace, followed by a return to the lesson is all that is needed to refocus the class or individual students. Regards, Barry

Hi Carol: Good responses. I like your comment about the students personal goals which are important too. For me, a goal is something to achieve. The goal of educating students then, is to achieve the transfer of knowledge from teacher to student. We can do that because of our work experience and education. When the focus of a particular educational program is work related, then competency in all the required skills would become part of the goal. Regards, Barry

Hi John: I'm a big believer in expectations, especially among the adult learners most of us are involved with. I believe that if complete instructions and clear guidleines are provided, most responsible adults will try their best to comply. Of course, as students, there will always be varying degrees of diligence and competence regarding grades and performance. But with knowledge of what is expected, the goals of the class can be achieved with a higher rate of success. Regards, Barry

Hi Carol: Students do appreciate the preparation that goes into the classes their taking and although they may not voice anything, they notice (and talk among their classmates). We are paid to be prepared and, as you say, students may do better depending on the level of instruction and preparation. So we have an important responsibity and obligation to our students and employer to be ready and organized for our classes. Regards, Barry

Hi John: You've decribed quite a few benefits many students receive when they are scheduled for field trips or have quest speakers in class. I believe many marginal students could be turned around and really succeed given the motivation and inspiration often received in these environments. When someone can visualize themselves in a particulatr setting, I think that can be a real force for the student to try and make that happen. Regards, Barry

Hi Dera: Your creativeness is commendable and I think that if we can think "if I were a student, what could my teacher do to really help me?", we might see some of the ways we "think is right" vs. what students benefit from, learn from, perform better from begin to emerge and we would ultimately observe better student outcomes. Regards, barry