Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Yvette, Good points, and effective reasons for pretesting. Everyone benefits. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Timothy, Good idea. I too have found that if the teacher can talk about something from the career area it catches attention and can help refocus a distracted student - or a whole class. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Qiana, During class, ways to reengage may include asking specific questions, getting into small group study clusters, or have students review portions of the lesson. It'll keep eveyone on their toes if they know they may be picked on. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Timothy, It's amazing what people can do when limitations or barriers are removed. If nothing else, getting students to be able to think for themselves will give them virtually much of what they will need in the workforce. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Qiana, Yeah, nothing like experience as a teacher. But skills, knowledge and professional attributes should give them a good start. And we are charged with the responsibility to get them to the starting line. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Qiana, We all have weaker areas that can use improvement. But these shouldn't interfere with our effectiveness as teachers (unless we let them). I believe confronting areas we feel need improvemnt is an ongoing process, and we become stronger because it. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Yvette, Great! I think pondering how students perceive us and how we are presenting our lessons gives us insight into something about ourselves. It's worth taking time periodically to reflect on the class from the students perspective. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Qiana, You're right. I once had a physics teacher who I could ask the most probing questions, and that guy was able to take the question, answer it, and seamlessly tie it into the current discussion. Way back then, I just thought he was smart. Now, years later I realize he was prepared. What a lasting impression! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

George, There's so much media resources out there we really have to be selective (as you are) in what we choose to deliver our message. We have to decide "what is the best way to teach this group of students this material at this particular time". Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

George, Good points. Validation of "that's what I've been trying to tell you" is always a good thing. And I think field trips motivate students, as some have only a vague idea what they're in for. Barry Westling