Barry Westling

Hi Sarah: I think you've offered a great example as to one of the benefits to providing pretesting to students. Great! Regards, Barry

Hi Anton: Great! Students will perceive what a professional looks like in our role modeling. If they see us prepared, organized, ready to go without a lot of clutter, they'll feel better about their classes and instructor. Regards, Barry

Hi Mark: I've found the advantage of electronic scoring is it keeps fields and cells accurate as long as correct information is initially inputed. Paper records offer a little more convenience for some instructors. In either case though, having students know what their status is "at the moment" can be a call to motivate, work harder, or offer encourage and suggestions. So, really not a predictor, but an opportunity to build a stronger relationship. Regards, Barry

Hi Eli: I'm glad you're getting some practical assistance and ideas from this course. Regards, Barry

Hi Eli: Good plan! The students also may view you as someone from their profession instead of their teacher, which I mean in a good way. Prompting the guest helps assure at least some essential class points get covered. I think students enjoy having guest speakers visit their classes. Regards, Barry

Hi Caroline: Good idea. I think this works especially well when student are following another form of media such as a PPT, textbook, handout, or discussion. The white board provides emphasis. Regards, Barry

Hi Caroline: Great. I think good back up plans also provide a means to provide cogent lessons when the regular resources are not available, such as the overhead, computer, LCD projector, heater/AC, etc. Something that'll pertain to the course that can be put into place in a short time seems to work best. Regards, Barry

Hi Caroline: It's great when students do well on tests. It should make the teacher happy too. Student learning objectives(SLO's) really define what is the essential content of a course. Good test scores that don't align with the SLO's may not help the student. So, tracking closely with institution defined SLO's help assure the stuednt is getting the correct information at the correct time, and the appropriate environment. Regards, Barry

Hi Sarah: I think any time a teacher is passionate about their teaching, stuidents are going to benefit. The enthusiasm and excitement creates a motivated learning environment. Regards, Barry

Hi Bryant: I agree, students tend to be on their best behavior when touring or listening to invited guest speakers. The tie-in to what you're trying to teach them is also reinforced, and some students who may not have yet realized the "big picture" of things might be motivated or experience an "ah-ha" moment. Regards, Barry