Barry Westling

Hi Larry: Very good. We should not be testing anything that is not part of the curriculum and definetly, we should be testing information that wasn't taught or covered in the class. Teachers who rely on the practice of "well, it was in the book and you should have known the material" are poor teachers in my thinking. That's not to say there can't be reading assignments and testing on that material. But mystery questions that are not tied to specific learning objectives should be avoided. Regards, Barry

Hi David: Yeah, it's been said that many students attention span is limited to 12-15 minutes. To whatever degree that is true, it seems vital that we break up the course work into sizable portions that can be swallowed and digested in memorable pieces. And as you say, eyeball-to-eyeball contact will command attention. Regards, Barry

Hi Donald: Your willingness to alter, enhance, or strengthen an area that might be a bit weak demonstrates another trait of good teachers - that of adaptability. Change only happens from within and when we can see it's importance. Obviously you have. Good job! Regards, Barry

Hi Brian: When teachers focus on their student learning objectives (SLO)they often find that both the method and the weight of the assessment tool is a bit easier to define and generate. It answers the question "what is the student suppossed to learn" and how can they learn it (or how can the instructor teach it)". Assessments are merely extensions of these SLO's. Regards, Barry

Hi Barry: Boy, it's true the "younger" generation is more attuned to computer, the internet, and by extension, online anything. So it only follows that instruction can be effectively delivered when constructed properly. Regards, Barry

Hi Vivian: You are like most teachers (and people) in that few are strongly only one type of anything. But it's great to narrow down a few common characterististics that help illuminate who we are. We are better teachers when we understand ouselves a bit more. Regards, Barry

Hi Brian: Rubrics do add a great dimension to the dynamics of grading becasue they tend to be fair, comprehensive, and inclusive of the variables most students will utilize. Regards, Barry

Hi Cynthia: The technique you describe is great. It probably would be used more often it it weren't that there is not alsways a good match of video/DVD material that closely matches the lecture material. We're in a age thats accustomed to video's. Students will relate to what they';re familiar with. Regards, Barry

Hi Brian: Sounds like you've got a good mix and utilizing mutiple senses. Variety is a good teacher assistant at times. He helps bring a more complete and interesting aspect to most classes. Regards, Barry

Hi Brian: You are on the right track with learn by doing. That's how people remember things. If you get them involved, they'll remember. Regards, Barry