Barry Westling

Hi Kathleen: Do you think we are harder on ourselves that others view us? We probably are. We can minimize some of that by relying on past experiences as you did. We can also realize that by being prepared we can offset the chance that things will go poorly more often when we've taken the time to get ready for our classes. Regards, Barry

Hi Rick: Good point about viewing asssignments as chores. I think most teachers would agree that if the teaching environment and instructor is enthusiastic, motivating, helpful, and conveys they want to help students succeed, they will receive the benefit of students trying harder to do their best in return. Regards, Barry

Hi Stephen: Student feed back helps too, by reaching out to the student ina way they can relate to. Don't you think student's will learn more when they're interested in a topic rather one they just have to take? We can make that more fun and enjoyable when we partner with them, sharing as many common goals as possible through our lessons. Regards, Barry

Hi Stephen: You've summarized some good and true thoughts. This question really gets at the heart of why we teach, doesn't it? There are a lot of right and correct ways of addressing the question. For me, the essesence of it "to transfer knowledge from teacher to student" which is kind of clinical. But the ways and methods we use are what makes it dynamic. Regards, Barry

Hi Cheney: I think we all can remember similiar times when we first started out. When we prepare ouselvelves as teachers we are setting an example for our students to follow, at the minimum. They are perceptive and will be able to detect when we are less than fully prepared. Credibility as a teacher will come into question if we are consistently unprepared, and that can lead to suboptimal student performance. Regards, Barry

Hi Cynthia: Yes, putting student needs over our established patterns can often result in better student outcomes. We can change a lot just by caring, being approachable, listening to students, and offering suggestions that will assist successfulnes in their classes. Regards, Barry

Hi Gary: I agree. The more frequent communication and the more personal the connection, the better the inforamtion will be received and chance for best outcomes. Regards, Barry

Hi Eric: Yes, I agree and think pretesting can help the teacher plan their course as much as assessing past learning by students. It's a helpful tool. Regards, Barry

Hi Eric: I like these comments. My spin is "the transfer of knowledge from teacher to student". How, when, and where are secondary (but necessary) considerations. Regards, Barry

Hi Eric: Confidence and competence are good bedfellows. Both contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable classroom experience. Regards, Barry