Barry Westling

Hi Tony: I agree. Having lessons prepared in such a way that anyone (with the technical background) could step in using prepared materials could teach the class is one goal of being prepared. Regards, Barry

Hi Eli: What a field trip does is allow the student to see the real world workforce in action. Often it is accompanied by an experienced tour guide or speaker. If you can make arrangements and give the speaker cues about subjects or topics you want the students to hear about, all the better. My field trips begin at the school, then students carpool. Alternatively, if the destination is far away, I write out all the details about where, when, who, and things about grading and my expectations for the outcome of the trip. Students like field trips. Regards, Barry

Hi Eli: The more current and more often you share grades with students the better, whatever system you use. Students are always more receptive to teachers when they sense the teacher is pulling for them. Regards, Barry

Hi Tony: Great!. I'm glad you're getting useful assistance from this course. Regards, Barry

Hi Randy: You're right, even the smallest break in the daily flow can make for a most hazardous day or lesson. Preparation ahead of time really pays off in these examples. Regards, Barry

Hi Randy: I think students just do better when they know their status and grades for a class. It's hard when they ask "what do you think my grade will be?" , especially at the middle of the term. Still frequest grade sharing provides an opportunity to connect on a personal basis anout student performance. Regards, Barry

Hi Randy: Good point. Some teachers will give an introductory story that is motivational or inspiring that leads into the daily lesson. Sort of like what you've stated. Regards, Barry

Hi Randy: I think true learning is the transfer of knowledge from teacher to student. I think there are many way and methods this can be accomplished but in essence, that's the goal. Regards, Barry

Hi Rehema: Tours and speakers are great, even if they come in at the beginning portion of a class. I think the possibility of creating a vision for a student to aspire to is hard to duplicate by other forms of media. Regards, Barry

Hi Sarah: Many instructors will use grading rubrics that allow the dgrees of "correctness" on a test or quiz can be more objectively assessed. If our testing is aligned with the apoproved instution-based Student Learning Outcomes (SLO's), then testing should only relate to the approved objectives. Straying too far can create difficulties in trying to be fair. So, there are many ways of assessing student performance, and the need to emphasize the basic SLO's will help the assessment process stay focused. Regards, Barry