Barry Westling

Hi Erik: Those of us who are in touch with ourselves and are comfortable with who we are and what we have to offer will just naturally come across smoother and by that, make the students feel more comfortable as well in our delivery and presentation. I think the best teachers are experts in their profession, but also experts at being themselves because they understand themselves. More natural styles will be received better than an imitation of someone else. Regards, Barry

Hi Christine: The more appropriate media choices we make can only contribute to a more interesting and enjoyable learning experience for the student. Variety is really an important consideration. Regards, Barry

Hi Christine: I agree that students will be much more responsive to teachers that are upbeat, enthusiastic, spirited, caring and approachable, willing to do all they can for thier students success. Students will notice and be appreciative (even if they never voice a comment). Most of us have some version of these attritubes within us - maybe some just need to be refined somewhat. Regards, Barry

Hi James: Loss of respect is one of those manifestations of "taking advantage". Once lost, it takes a lot to regain it. The best way is to plan well and right from the beginning demonstrate the teacher is ready and prepared to provide everything needed to meet the course objectives. We can be role models, and students can learn from our example. Regards, Barry

Hi Eva: Right. Pretesting can assist students understand where to put their energies for studying, just as it helps the teacher understand and modify where weaker portions of their class can be improved. Regards, Barry

Hi Nancy: I agree that field trips and guest speakers provide a dimension of learning that is difficult to duplicate. More than other instructional strategies, students often leave feeling motivated, inspired, excited, and perhaps more committed to doing their best in remaing classes or lessons. I don't of that many classroom experiences that consistently result in this outcome. Regards, Barry

Hi Ted: Good way of expressing the uses and outcome of pretesting. Regards, Barry

Hi Ted: I like to state it this way: The tansfer of Knowledge from teacher to student. There are many layers underneath this basic principle, but I don't think it could be more succinctly stated. Regards, Barry

Hi Rachel: I think grading policies and the grading process are different animals. The diversity of classes a student takes requires that some organized system of awarding points (and eventually a grade). Many times the teacher is the best one to decide how that is to occur. However the grading policy should be uniform, consistent throughout the institution, and applied fairly to all students. Regards, Barry

Hi Rachel: For you this seems like it works out ok. The little bit of bonus really doesn't contribute to their overall grade that much, and students probably feel appreciative there's a smidgen of bonus available. Regards, Barry