Barry Westling

Hi Miriam: Active teachers keep their students attention better than passive ones. Keeping the class interesting may be related to teacher personality. If the students tune out or are not interested, we'll lose them. I think we need to be prepared to kind of be all things to all students - adjust our persona to fit the need if that's what it takes to reach and stay conneted to the students. Regards, Barry

Hi David: You've described a process, which seems very appropriate. Media choice should align with course objectives and learning outcomes. Resources have to be appropriate for the delivery methods chosen also. Regards, Barry

Hi Angelica: It sounds like your class would be fun to attend! We all have personalities, but it's important that we reach the students in a manner they can relate to. So, in some cases, some teachers might have to adjust their teaching persona to fit the circumstances of a particular class. Regards, Barry

Hi David: Yeah, it's a good way to track thoughts, ideas, mistakes, - things you want to remember for the next class. Some teachers also reflect on how they feel about certain classes, or student responses. It's really a very effective but simple technique for teachers. Regards, Barry

Hi Russell: Great! Using a variety of texts on the same subject offer a more comprehensive viewpoint for instructors. Peer review journals and articles are very timely and usually reflect the state of the art in most professions. I think these also contribute to building better critical thinking skills. Regards, Barry

Hi Penny: You're right! Instructor personality can create an inviting learning environment where students enjoy comining to class and are actively engaged. Keeping classes interesting and creative is directly related to the instructor and their involvement. When students feel they can approach their instructor and get help when they need it, that makes a difference too. Regards, Barry

Hi Penny: Being fair and consistent is very important. I think any grading system should reflect the student learning outcomes, daily course objectives. When this is done, the component weights of the various assignments and activities will reflect a more objective basis for a balanced grading system. Also, using a grading rubric usually assists in objectively assigning weights to the course. Regards, Barry

Hi Penny: I understad your point. I think excitement and interest come from within each individual student; therefore to me, these are student experiences or outcomes. I do think it's possible to crete a learning environment that promotes and fosters these traits. I do agree that within our youth resides the future. So, perhaps the goal is giving or tranfering all we have so that the next generation can take it further and further. Regards, Barry

Hi Keri: Truly an inspired comment! Thank you. Regards, Barry

Hi Glen: Many teachers will agree with you. The thing I always maintain is if EC is used, it should represent only a very small part of a grade, and should not be accepted in lieu of or substitution for regular course assignments. Regards, Barry