Barry Westling

Leon, Indeed. Instructors delivery and presentation just has to be smoother and more effective when all materials are in place and resources are gathered in readiness for class. Barry Westling

Gina, I think students like order and direction. Orgainzed classroom set-ups with prepared instructors hels provide that sense of order for students. Barry Westling

Leon, Right. Besides being attracted to an enthusiastic presenter, students get a view of their profession in a way that they can't receive through other methods. Barry Westling

Leon, I agree. And, too, when students feel the caring touch of their instructor, their trust and respect for their instructor increases as well. Barry Westling

Jeanine, Right! When we focus our efforts on student performance rather than our comfortable packaged curriculum, student performance is likely to improve. Barry Westling

Lori, Yep! Sometimes it takes a "trial and error" effort to find the right mix. Acurately measuring learning is what I use to guide any grading system. I don't care what the components are as much as being satisfied that the grade a student receives is truely reflective of their learning. Barry Westling

Aarti, For me, I think the most important consideration is whether I am acuruately measuring learning. I try to include as much variety in the grading components due to the different learning styles the students possess. Barry Westling

Thomas, Right! Anything that reduces stress is a good thing! But it's only fair and reasonable to keep students informed of their progress. If done early on, there will be more time to see the results of suggestions made or advice given. Also, having the student see improvement should be a positive motivator. Barry Westling

ATUL, I think good students who do all of their work (and are the natural "A-students") are likely to get offended by classmates they see not doing all of the regular work required of all, but getting extra credit. It's not the activity or project that is problematic; rather it is the giving points or credit for something above and beyond. For me, I just choose not to give EC. But each teacher and institution has to decide what works best for their setting. Barry Westling

Paul, Great! Like an orchestra leader, instructors conduct class to the tempo and pace at the time of delivery. Two classes will probably never be presented exactly the same way. Instructors need to be in tune with what works best, and to be flexible enough to make on the spot changes to the plan. Barry Westling