Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Ralph, I agrre. Numerous times I've been asked to speak to HS student groups, Explorers, and community service clubs. It's interesting that what I think is important is not reflected in the kinds of questions asked. So, I can relate to your observation that you thought you could bring all necessary career information to your teaching. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Shawn, I too believe few activities inspire more than a good field trip or guest speaker. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Theresa, Great example of a student-centered teacher activity! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Francine, Yep! Skills, knowledge, and professional topics for success in the workforce and perhaps, life skills for enjoying life more fully. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Francine, Good! That feeling students have of their teachers willingness to help is huge for many, and establishes the way those who need help to seek it out, rather than shyly avoiding asking for help. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Rose, Yep, students will perform based on their knowledge of their grades. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Timothy, I believe it is paramount to good instruction to provide as much information about performance as possible. Students will adjust (good or bad) based on what they know about their grade. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Yvette, It is amazing what can occur when we provide encouragement, advice, and support to students - even the struggling ones (like your transformed "A" student). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Michelle, Small adjustments are like a spit in the ocean, insignificant. But when whole portions of grades are adjusted (upwards) based on EC points, that is too much, in my opinion. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Michelle, Perfect. Like a journey, we have to have a defined destination before we can head there. So it is with class material. And the pretest can help define the destination. Barry Westling