Barry Westling

Hi Jennifer, Well you've made a good point that reinforces the benefit of approaching classes with student learning needs and their learning styles in mind. The more individualized we can make it the better student outcomes. Barry Westling

Hi Joseph, Perfect! That's the benefit an instructor receives from pretesting ( or whatever it may be labled). Barry Westling

Hi Joseph, Interesting...vision, a hoped for result that students will acquire from the instruction we provide. Having a vision is important and may be a part of what a student receives, whether it be a goal or not. But I can say with confidence some students begin their program of study with only a vague "hope for a job", become motivated and inspired through the learning process, and begin to strive for fullfilment of a vision for a better future for themselves and their family. Barry Westling

Hi Charles, I think most students tend to expect professional behavior and demeanor from their instructors when they first meet them, then how the instructor carries that impression determines whether positive affirmations towards the instructor continue or not. Just like in most settings, teachers have one chance to make a good first impression. But preparation and getting class resources organized and set up on a consistent basis does the most to setting the example for students to observe and perhaps emulate in their own behavior. Barry Westling

Hi Debra, Yes, I agree "well written rubrics" are great, because, as you sated, they help provide guidelines and are good for grading evenly, fairly, and consistently for all participants. Barry Westling

Hi Mitessa, Tracking progress is important, and doing so frequently and early on provides the best opportunity for a student to do their best. By waiting too long bewteen performance discussions, there may not be enough time for correction to make a difference. Barry Westling

Hi Mitessa, Additional study or projects or assignments that increase the students knowledge are awesome activities, it's the awarding of credit for them that can become subjective, viewed as unfaire by stronger and weaker students, and however it's sliced, does add to grade inflation. As always, each teacher and institution has to decide what works best for them. Barry Westling

Hi Marvin, These notes and others to follow will become invaluable to you in the weeks, months and yerars ahead. ne of the cool things is you can view your progress and growth that occurs as you become more experienced in your journey to becoming a seasoned educator. Barry Westling

Hi Joseph, Great! As stated earlier, I believe if teachers are willing to undergo self assessment along with peer assessment - esentially, willing and open to change, they will continually improve as educators. Those that feel "this is how I am and I won't change are limiting themselves and doing a disservice to their students. Barry Westling

Hi Debra, Most of my faculty still use the overhead in their classes although it is becoming less used. All my classrooms have instructor-only computers linked to ceiling mounted projectors for PPT or DVD's. Just because something has been around for a while doesn't diminish it's usefulness (gosh, how long has the bread toaster been around?). The overhead is a tool, and specialists know the right tool gets a job done most effectively. Barry Westling