Barry Westling

Dawn, Good use of resources. I think whatever method of evaluation is used, it has to measure learning. If that hasn't happened, or only partially so, then some sort of revivison is probably warranted. Barry Westling

Dawn, These mental breaks, also know as change-ups, allow for a momentary pause in the thinking process. They're good and useful. It's been said the adult has about a 20 minute attention span. So even mild change ups frequently sequenced throughout the presentation can be beneficial. Barry Westling

Dawn, Great. Younger students are more accustomed to faster paced technology and need a variety of media to keep their attention. One trick I've learned is to make numerous references to the work setting their being trained for. This helps keep attention because they see benefit to themselves and merit in the information. Barry Westling

Irina, Each instructor comes with their unique personality. There are a gazillion variations, but in my opinion, as long as the instructor is approachable, fair, knowledgeable, patient, and set to be willing to help all students, these traits will make their classes effective. Barry Westling

Ron, You're right, grading systems ideally should do what they're designed for - to measure learning. Unfortunately, sometimes formulas or templates from past classes are used, sometimes only because they look good. We want to measure learning. However we can best do that, that is the way we should set up the components. And it may have to vary from class to class, just as the mix of diversity, learning styles, and past preparation all factor into what an accurate grading scale should be comprised of, so should the grading scale. Barry Westling

Velma, Evaluation is a very important component. If done correctly, we will measure the degree of learning that has (or has not) occurred. If care is not taken, students may earn points for busy work, and their final grade may not reflect what they actually learned in the class. Barry Westling

Craig, All these are good reasons, and are appropriate to advance the students learning. Direct information from a students instructor is usually viewed as helpful, especially if done with sensitivity, absence of criticism, and an openess to share helpful advice, support, and encouragement. Barry Westling

Charity, I note anything I observe that's different, interesting, or curious about a session. I;ll also not comments to myself about future sessions teaching the same topic. Very helpful. Barry Westling

Diane, I learned early on the benefit of notations and observations documented ag=fter a class session. Now, I look at these with reflection and see growth, maturity, and tolerence I've made since those earlier times. Quite helpful. Barry Westling

Charity, As an educational resource, there's nothing quite like the field trip experience. It can inspire, motivate, and give students the momentum to grasp what they're training for in a new light. Barry Westling