Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi James, Great! This is a perfect way to keep students' minds active, focused and their attention on task. More variety just makes class more interesting and enjoyable for all. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Hi James, Knowledge without application leaves only knowledge without application. No employer wants someone who is knowledgeable but can'tdo the job. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi John, Good for you. To become an experienced teacher you first have experience. And as you point out that requires a continual adaptation and modification to learn what works best and under what circumstances. I'll just add for you to remember, the tools are not the important thing, it's the learning the students achieve. So don't be afraid to contine to try new approaches, even those you may not be familar with or may feel a bit uncomfortable with. Any experienced teacher will tell you taht some of their most effective strategies have come from trying something new -… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi James, It would be great if all students performed and learned at exactly the same level. That would make instruction so much easier. But the reality is that is never the case. So we have to work with the existing students we get, with their individual learning challenges and prior knowledge (which may be lacking greatly). I guess we'd have more instructors if teaching was easy. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Tim, Great analogy to customizing instruction for students. Student-centered is similar but differs only in that students have to learn a certain subject matter. How it's done can be individualized. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Joel, Right! And eraly on and frequently will assure that they won't get to far below "C-level" before there's time to correct misunderstanding of course material. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Jeannette, You're right. Often times students will know information, but they don't know how to sort it out or where it belongs. Where is this information pertinent in the larger scope of the topic I'm studying? Here's the perfect setting to clarify, sort and sift, and give direction that makes for "aha" moments. Boy, those are precious and so valuable when students uncover where things belong! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Joel, Good use for a pretest. In many cases the student is placed in the class without the opportunity or access to remedial classes, so it makes the teacher have to work a bit harder for these students to grasp the material. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Jeannette, Of course, that works the other way too. That is, you can determine where not to spend as much (or any) time if students are generally apt in a specific content area already. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Jonathan, Every day more and more information is available through internet websites. Our library provides access to subscription only websites that provide links to valuable information not accessible to the general public. And, they are scholastic and safe to use. Barry Westling