Barry Westling

Hi Norma: Good. It can also help busy teachers modify their curriculum to target the weaker areas that might be identified. Regards, Barry

Hi Norma: Good points. Every additional human resource beyond the asssigned teacher has the potential to share something of value. If we think like our students do, we could probably realize how many really effective speakers and alternate learning environments are right under our nose. Regards, Barry

Eva: Good suggestions. Sometimes it doesn't take much to just shift gears a little bit. Once refocused, continue on as before. Using a mixture of media resources can also help quite a bit. Regards, Barry

Hi Eva: As teachers, we are the most qualified to lead the students in the path that will assist them in gaining that knowledge they will need for successful careers, or prepare them with necessary skills. Regards, Barry

Hi Ted: Students come to us with this expectation. We owe them nothing less. Regards, Barry

Hi Eva: So true. When student learning is the focus rather than the job of teaching, the instructional process takes on a whole other dimension - I expect more effective, interesting, and enjoyable. Regards, Barry

Hi Michelle: Tongue in cheek, I'd say "do a lot of planning!". Seriously, you might try to contact recent grauates who have contacts in their newly found profession; product vendors are willing to demonstrate their wares; ask your vendors or past guest speakers for leads (and introductions). You might even look within your own institution for others that have some related or similar experiences to come and speak. Sometimes it's just a different person talking with the students that piques their interest. Regards, Barry

Hi Gary: Great. This could also apply to lecture principles, theories, concepts, and examples from the field. Even intermittent insertion of "show and tell" as the lecture is proceeding can snap students out the listening mode into "oh, look at that". Regards, Barry

Hi Gary: Boy, I agree. Students like stories, and tend to associate needed information with "storied" remebrances. The important caveat is to not stray from the targeted lesson objectives by spending too much time with all stories in substitution for needed or essential lesson material. Regards, Barry

Hi Anthony: Yes, I agree too. Mixing up the media choices will provide a more interesting and enjoyable learning experience for the student. Reagrds, abrry