Barry Westling

Vincent, Yes, and as a good role model, students are more likely to take their studies seriously and come prepared, based on our example. I think trust and respect are enhanced when the instructor is fully prepared from the moment students arrive until we dismiss them. Barry Westling

Nancy, That's a good observation, and a great rationale for student-centered learning. By being willing to personalize instruction, being flexible with our curriculum, adding new techniques, and looking at the class material from the students perspective is likely to yield better student outcomes. Barry Westling

Paul, I like grading rubrics too. They help eliminate subjectivity in the grading process (if they are constructed adequately). There often is some trial and error involved with trying tofind the right balance and component weights. Most of all, we want to make sure that whatever system we use, it fairly and acuurately measures student learning. Barry Westling

Katherine, Some instructors like to pretest, others do not. In the end, we just have to look at it as a tool to help us plan where emphasis needs strengthening or perhaps where students are already strong. Barry Westling

Garry, Good. Too, I feel if we wait too late in the session, students will not have enough time to recover or make needed improvements in order to be reflected in their grade. Barry Westling

Peter, Good point. Documented comments regarding discussions can be a life saver at times. Some students will not take responsibility for their actions, and for those, documentation prtovides a good memory jogger. Barry Westling

Peter, Right. When I know where my emphasis is needed, I don't have to spend as much time with other material that'll be less effective use of mine and the students time. Barry Westling

David, Yes, these all work great to get and keep the student focus. Sometimes just a little doing something a different way is all that is necessary. Other times, it may take a whole change up to another activity. Night class instructors often have this challenge of keeping their students engaged the whole period, and I've found variety with just little ways of doing something different can recapture the groups attention. Barry Westling

Garry, I wholeheartedly agree. How we come across to our students shapes their confidence in our ability to effectively teach them. And as you imply, we need to portray an authenic version of ourselves to gain trust and respect. Barry Westling

Peter, Great. I think if we can provide the knowledge, skills, and attitudes, along with critical thinking skills, we will have prepared our students well (both in the workplace and in life). Barry Westling