Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Elizabeth: Mixing it up as you descrive can only help reach your students in the learning method they are most accustomed to. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Methods to develop backup plans

Hi Douglas: I would imagine that even in a cooking class, there critical thinking situations that be practiced and discussed. That's the thinking on your feet! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Methods to develop backup plans

Hi Gary: Yes, we can mature which suggests improvement. If a teacher doesn't care, they'll just be putting in time. Maturity and longevity are certainly not the same are they! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Methods to develop backup plans

Gary - good sound advice. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Preparing to Manage Your Class

Hi Justin: Stephen Covey called the concept you're describing a "Habit". Getting good at anything requires practice, repitition, etc. Good post. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Preparing to Manage Your Class

Hi Wendy: It's interesting you mention shyness, as I think many graet teachers share that trait, but are able to excel in their classrooms based on their professional skills or experience. Being willing to be open to annoymous comments from students really takes courage, and I'd add adds character to those willing to adapt to perceived needed changes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Preparing to Manage Your Class

Hi Justin: Boy, I agree, especially about the passion. And like individual members of that orchestra, theres rehersal required, i.e. our daily preparation, delivey, evaluation, and adjustment or adaptation to better teach the lesson. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Methods to develop backup plans

Hi Douglas: I think every kind of instructional class that involves skills probably has things or resources that can go wrong or the class as planned goes amiss. Perhaps some classes are easier to adapt to last minute change ups, but if and when the one day it happens, it's really helpful to have something that can be implemmented relativly effortlessly. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Preparing to Manage Your Class

Hi Fortuna: Super! A good sense of humor appropriately and consistently used around student atmosphere can create latent benefits to students and teachers alike. I think it helps foster good student/teacher relationships which ultimately can result in better student outcomes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing An Evaluation System

Hi Blake: I agree the course could emphasize the use of grading rubrics, as they can an invaluable tool to assuring fair and consistent grading. I have discussed at length in my responses to class participants over the years (read through some of the dicussion posts). Thanks for your summarized list. Regards, Barry