Barry Westling

Hi Issac: I think pretesting is a tool that is helpful but is underused a great deal. It's probably not applicable for every class or lesson, but it does have it's benefits, both to the student and teacher, primarily for planning purposes. Regards, Barry

Hi Elizabeth: Great. I think it's very admirable to try our best to instill good qualities of citizenship and professional behavior, along with the program content the student enrolled for. When we seek better than average in our students they're likely to get something more from the instructor than just the needed facts and theory of a course or program. Regards, Barry

Hi Mary: I think you have developed a good system to motivate students to do more than is expected and a fair system of recognizing that effort. Regards, Barry

Hi Gloria: I think students are always appreciative when their instructors take time and effort to inform their students of their staus. Better teachers will also take time to offer suggestions for improvement, advice, counseling, and advice to assist them in improving their grades. Regards, Barry

Hi Gloria: Many educators are strongly against the practice of awarding extra credit. When allowed, it usually represents a very small percentage of the students overall grade, and does not substitute for regular assignments required by all the students in the class. Regards, Barry

Hi Gloria: Apparently your school allows you to adjust your grading system, which is fine. Many schools do not allow their faculty to making these kinds of changes. Since you have the ability to adjust your grading, I think it gives you the added ability to discuss your students status with them, encourage them, provide suggestions, and offer advice. Regards, Barry

Hi Pamela: Yes, just as teachers we measure a students performance against established guidelines, informing the student of that status is very important in order to formulate an effective study plan and/or remediation. Regrads, Barry

Hi Kristie: That is surely a hoped-for outcome, I'd say. And that can only occur when committed, dedicated teachers who care about their students are involed in the instructional process. Regards, Barry

Hi Nicole: Good post. Regards, Barry

Hi Nicole: One way to define student centered is to describe what it isn't: Prepared curriculum that is above or below the students level, too much or too little course material; material presented out of sequence in relation to where the students learning level is. When we determine to reach our students, we have to be prepared to modify or adjust our curriculum and lesson plans to more closely match the students need. Regards, Barry