Barry Westling

Skip, Gems and pearls of wisdom are spoken of here. I agree and believe one has had to be there (as you have) to recognize and understand as you do. Great! Barry Westling

Skip, I think you're right. I find it truely amazing how some students and professionals can become so proficient at a task that the tool (mouse, paintbrust, welding torch) becomes an extension of the individuals body. Truely artistc and exemplary craftmanship. It doesn't come automatically, but I beleive it can come to most with (perfect) practice! Barry Westling

Qadar, Teachers that use a journal find it helps them document key events, record observations, student performance or pertinent information they want to refer back to at a later date. Reflection on the notetaking often reveals growth, and personal self awareness of changes over time. It's really a invaluable resource. Barry Westling

Jennifer, Good point. Even though they may not say they like having class start on time and having a full class session, students do notice when a teacher is lax or unprepared for class. It's a unusual paradox. But our obligation to the student is to be ready at the start of class, resources gathered, handouts, and copies made, and a clear plan laid out for the class. Barry Westling

William, Great. If we could just ask questions and contemplate the answers, that would be OK. But we need to be objective and fair, so we need to formalize our assessments. But I think the basic point is the same: to what degree did our student learn (or not learn) the needed material. Barry Westling

Skip, Electronic records makes saving, editing and access so easy. That's wonderful that you're able to store notes and observations easily and essentially forever! I find labling files and folers critical in order to avoid having to fish around all sorts of places to find what I'm seeking. Barry Westling

Sally, I think dropping the lowest quiz score or even adding as essay (critical thinking) question on a final or mid-rerm are fine. These are different than adding extra points (extra credit) as they are bassed on student performance. Also, the minute change in grade is not significant. Dropping one quiz or homework works best when in a class that has many quizes and/or homework assignments. Barry Westling

William, Right. And of course we have to follow the prescribed curriculum and meet the learning outcomes. But there are many creative, fun, and interesting ways to achieve that. Also, the personalization we give can make the student feel we care about their successes and readines for their chosen career workforce. Barry Westling

Kenneth Great! I think frequent and early on status updates are key to maintaining a concurrent dialog with students and their progress in class. It puts the teacher and student on the "same side" as to progressing towards the successful completion of the course. I think it also conveys the teacher cares and is willing to understand barriers the student may be experiencing. Also, it identifies weaker areas that need improvement and a plan to work on building the knowledge and confidence the student has in understanding the material. Barry Westling

Shannon, Every class has it's set of learning objectives and outcomes. If the teacher achieves these, their goal has been met. Hopefully, those learning objectives include all the needed knowowledge, skills, and attributes to transition students into the workforce. They might also include soft skills such as professionalim that touches on the importance of attendance, language and dress, courtesy, and appropriate ethical behavior in the workplace. Barry Westling