Barry Westling

Hi Rick: I associate pretesting with planning. I can't pretest every class topic. When I do, it can revela information about a students learning style, knowledge level, and my approach to conducting that class segment, as often I have to tweak the lesson to meet the nmeeds of the students. Regards, Barry

Hi Ellen: It's often said (especially in health care circles) that we all have learned from someone else. So, even though I'm considered a subject matter expert for my profession, I have to prepare my students to be better than me. Without that, there'll never be progress. Regards, Barry

Hi Ellen: Although these activities take extra time to plan and even more to conduct, they can be quite memorable for the students. In discussions about transferring information from short term to long term memory, a field trip or guest speaker readily contributes to long term memory recall. Regards, Barry

Hi Ellen: Good - focus on individual needs. A teacher can't be prepared unless they're ready for most any circumstance and of course, ready to teach the material. Organization can facilitate that readiness. Regards, Barry

Hi Rick: I think a lot of teachers feel like you do. I think one way to overcome being too boring is by showing enthusiasm and being truly passsionate about our topic. It can be contagious! Regards, Barry

Hi Mark: Student Learning Outcomes (SLO's) are really the the defining knowledge the student will have when they complete the course. Course objective state how the teacher will go about achieving the SLO's. Resources and assignments are the mechanics of getting through the class. And assessments measure to what degree the student was successful. Regards, Barry

Hi Mark: Good ideas! I call these "change-ups", like in sports, when students are expecting one thing and suddenly a change up is thrown in to re-engage or reset the class focus. Lots of ways to do it. The key is to recognize it and be proactive in confronting it. Regards, Barry

Hi Mark: Some teachers will allow bonus points on quizzes and exams. Personnaly, extra credit at the expense of not doing a regular assignment given to the whole class appears a bit unfair. I don't think much grade weight should be given to extra credit. There's a balance between a grade earned vs. a lesson learned. Is the grade more important than the required learning? That's the balance each instructor has to justify. Regards, Barry

Hi Mark: Yes, I agree students expect their instructor to be the most informed and knowledgeable person in the room. While that might be true, disoroganized teachers appear like they may be incompetent. What a shame. Organization just takes a bit of time, effort, planning, and perhaps creativity. Students will see and appreciate the effort given. Regards, Barry

Hi Rebecca: Preparedness and readiness are similar adjectives with similar meanings. When I'm ready, I'm prepared to take on the assignments, students, challenges, disruptions, and situations. Of course I'm also ready to deliver a comprehensive teaching environment alive with enthusiasm, energy, and excitement. As a role model, students will pick up on this passion and begin to emulate it to some degree. Regards, Barry