Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Deepika, This is one possible use of pretesting, especially if it makes sense for you. For me, I use pretesting mostly when I'm unfamiliar with my students prior knowledge (usually at the beginning of a term), and will pretest to determine what emphasis is (or is not) needed for this class, at this time, for these specfic students. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Deepika, SKA: Skills, knowledge, and attitude. If we can convey and impart these basic tenets, we will have given our students a great start to a wonderful future indeed! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Craig, Many instructors recognize they have weaker areas that could be improved on. Creating a mindset to first, acknowledge, then improve,is a great step towards sharpening our skills as teachers. Naturally, our stronger traits will try to dominate, but if we are open and willing to improve, all will benefit. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Deepika, I think organization can also include a mind set. It helps when planning classes, estimating time allowances for activities, anticipating topic length, and student discussion, to name just a few. When organized, classes run smoothly, seemlessly, and students sense the order a well organized class provides. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Debbie, Adaptability is, in my opinion, one of the most useful and needed traits a teacher can possess of acquire. It goes along with the inevitibility of change in our workplace. Those willing to embrace it surrive and achieve great . Resistance will be reflected in poorer student outcomes, something no one wants to occur. For me, adaptibilty is part action - what I do with what's given me, and part attitude - how I think about my job responsibilities. Sometimes, just an optimistic attitude is all that is needed to change to the the positive force an adaptable nature… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Ninette, This is but one of the many benefits a good field trip can provide. Talking and discussing, and readiing and media all contribute to a certain "picture" in the students minds eye. But a field trip integrates those separate images into a concrete, firm portrait of the realities of the workforce the students are training for. Plus, these are usually quite memorable experiences. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Ninette, Right! Probably nearly all of us were hired to teach a subject we were qualified for, and part of that more than likely included "has the professional image and attitudes to be a role model for students". It's part of job and one of the reasons we were hired. Part of that professionalism is readiness to teach classes. When we put in the effort, planning, and time into preparing for a class, we are are setting an example that, as you imply, students see and over time recognize they are to act in a similar manner. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Jodie, Yes, I agree. I've had too many bad experiences with EC, so I just choose not to give it. And like you, I don't think it helps students really learn, iyt just alters grades. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Jodie, I use the pretest alsmost exclusively when I'm unfamiliar with my students level of prio knowledge about a topic. Usually, this would be near the beginning of a new term, but whenever I use it, I get a sense of where emphasis will (or will not) be needed in order to reach these students, in this class, at this time (which may be different from all other past times). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Susan, Great! Variety adds so much because students learn better when surrounded with information that stimulates their thinking, is retained, and stored from short term to longer term memory. Lectures are at the lower end of that, while teaching others is at the higher end. So the more activities we can do to get the student actively engaged (like a teacher), the better we are helping them. Barry Westling