Barry Westling

Hi William: You've listed some good alternative activities. As instructors, we might ask ourselves "if there is value in doing an activity as a back-up plan, why not consider doing the same or similar activity as part of the regular lesson plan". This is a rhetorical question intended to stimulate thought about the value of variety introduced into lessons and class sessions. Our creativity will be appreciated by students (even though they don't always express it. Regards, Barry

Hi Courtney: Great examples! We want to convey needed information. Normally, we have a variety of tools available to us to deliver the needed information. So, since there are a variety of methods available to us, selecting alternate measures as a back up or emergency plan are useful planning tools by good instructors. Regards, Barry

Hi Courtney: You've illuminated a great point! I suppose that's why essay questions give students some leeway in both expression and information. Pre-testing is a good way to see where students still need study also. Although that's time consuming, it is helpful and effective. Regards, Barry

Hi Courtney: Yes! Key words: Confidence. Listener. Understanding. These traits convey trust and assurance to students. Regards, Barry

Hi William: You've stated some very wise (and tested) sentiments here William. Students will pick up on lack of confidence and many may try to exploit that weakness. I often encourage new teachers to remember that they are seassoned veterans in their profession - even if they are new to teaching. That's the vision the instructor wants to convey to the class. Regards, Barry

Hi Clifford: It's always difficult to experience different learning styles, abilities, intelligence, etc. I guess it's just a fact that some students will have to work harder than others to achieve the same grade. Grading rubrics help some teachers grade intangible attributes, and in doing so, some students may get a bit more credit than their more academically minded classmates. However, if it's a job skill that's being assessed, we need to assure that each and every student is proficient, regardless of the grading scale or assessment system in place. Regards, Barry

Hi Bruce: Good idea. All instructors should be comfortable with and use the resources they have available to them. Variety alone won't assure student learning. However, good utilization of resources will contribute an inproved learning environment. Regards, Barry

Hi Mark: Interesting analogy (but so true!). I like the adjective you used, "accent". We all have individual characteristics as instructors. Finding those that are uniquely our own ultimately prepares us to be better teachers. Well said. Regards, Barry

Hi James: Well, you've really said it all, sort of. As you become comfortable with yourself as the facilitator and leader of your class, your students will pick up on that and tend to be more responsive to your leading. That doesn't mean you have to be autocratic or bossy, or militaristic. The more of "just you" you give your students, the more relaxed they will be to you and your personal style. Regards, Barry

Hi John: Yes, good tests do involve the student to be able to use their whole thought process: recall, application and analysis. Open book exams rarely achieve anything much greater than perhaps a sampling of recall knowledge (especially if the student is familair with the textbook!). Regards, Barry