Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Patricia, This questionnaire provides information. Taking it a step further, a pretest might be to see where common or likely weak areas may be present in order for you you to plan more (or less) emphasis in a particular area. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Joseph, All of these activities are great for keeping students engaged and focused, and reengaged when they lose their focus. They should feel your contribution to wanting to be assistive to their learning needs. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

John, You've got a great laboratory for exploring the use of equipment and incorporating mutilple senses into the learning plan. I believe most classes could utilize more senses in many cases. Teachers just need to become more aware of their importance and usefulness. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Joseph, I read and have heard that the majority of people that are dismissed or terminated from their jobs does not have to do with the technical aspect of the job, but rather the "personnel" component (soft skills). To the degree that's true, we need to emphasize these important keys for sustained successfulness in the workforce. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Arleen, It's been said, "If you fail to prepare you will prepare to fail. It's a necessary part of every teachers job. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Joseph, I think graduates as guest speakers are good for several reasons including their familiarity with the program and school, their enthusiasm, and their ability to relate to students more as "one of them". Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Kay, Great analogy to the purpose of student learning! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Aaron, Yeah, I like that! Ownership and responsibility. If we provide current information then we've give the student(s) the tools to work on any improvement needed. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Douglas, While rubrics tend to be objectivity, it seems there is still a degree of subjectivity that remains in any grading system. This is probably a good thing, so as to allow for those gray areas that a teacher knows (regarding student learning) but is difficult to measure. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Douglas, I agree. I think the small group discussion is a great way to get students involved, enhances their learning, and stimulates critical thinking. Barry Westling