Barry Westling

Hi Micahel: Some teachers refer to grading "soft skill" and "hard skills". Soft are the professional attributes like attendance , punctuality, courtesy, etc. Hard skilss are the core knowledge that the student is school for. Bot are important for working successfully in a job. Grading can or cannot involve the soft skills. Some institutions encourage while other prohibit. Nonetheless, the soft skills are important to acknowledge, whether by grade or some other means. Regards, Barry

Hi Micahel: Wonderful! This is a great example of how pretesting can work for both you and the students. Thanks for sharing! Regards, Barry

Hi Kenneth: Students seem like they always want to know how they're doing, even if they sense they're not doing well. Regular discussions with students helps them understand their grades but also reinforces the relationship the teacher has with their students. That's always a good thing. Regards, Barry

Hi Michael: Cooking seems like the perfect example for demomonstrating senes in the learning process. But it can used in other settings too. But as you say, it's vital in your particular trade. Regards, Barry

Hi Michael: I agree. Guest speakers bring a surprising amount of information the studentrs are interested in. It's interesting that they sometimes share the same information I might, but it's more powerful when the guest shares it. I think in part, they give a view into what the student will be doining in the real workforce, and that's always interesting to the student. Regards, Barry

Hi Kenneth: Great! This is one benefit of pretests. Of course, having this knowledge then requires the teacher to modify, adapt, or tweak their course in order to address the weaker students if they're lacking in fundamental knowledge essential to the lesson at hand. So, a little extra work but the benefit is worthwhile. Regards, Barry

Hi Kenneth: An interesting activity I've used a few times is I've given the students the topic objectives, organized the class into groups, then have them make up the PPT lesson on their segment of the objectives. I can follow up with question, discussion, or just clarify, correct or complement their PPT's with my own to make sure everything gets covered. I think when students "teach" to their classmates they retain the information better than if I just dish it out. Regards, Barry

Hi Kenneth: I feel I'm ready for my classes when I have taken the time and effort to get my resources together, have all my assignments, check on equipment (PPTs), and anf jazzed about the subject. Enthuisam is a terrific type of preparation that livens up even ordinary classes. It's something we all could probably engage in a bit more. Regards, Barry

Hi Michael: To me student centered suggests every activity is targeting the student. This may include thinking how the student thinks, giving assignments that are appropriate for the student cohort currently being taught, being flexible with students (vs. rigid and immovable). I think it means trying to anticipate what acctivities and assignments I can give that help the student learn the most in the best way based on their abilities. Regards, Barry

Hi Joanna: Hopefully, we get better with time and experience. Someone once said "do you have 10 years experience, or one year experience 10 years in a row?". As long as we're open to change, willing to recognize areas we need to improve, and can adapt to change, we'll become better teachers and better able to really help our students. Regards, Barry