Barry Westling

Hi Joseph, This is great. I am a big fan of the power of the field trip and feel as though this activity ought to be a part of the mandatory curriculum in career-oriented programs. Perhaps the old saying "one look is worth a thousand words" may be applicable here. Anyway, field trips are a great activity, students enjoy them, and in some cases can help mold mediocre-performing students into outstanding superstars. Barry Westling

Hi Michael, You got it. To improve, discussion is needed. We can also encourage, and also show we care and display kindness to students in the process. It's a win-win! Barry Westling

Hi Ashlee, Very appropriate and logical approach. Afterall, it's this foundation that forms the daily lessons, so relying on these really makes sense. Barry Westling

Hi Sheree, Excellent! I've done that, and similar "break the funk" activities that take maybe 4-5 miutes tops, and enjoyed excellent results: students refreshed, minds reset, atmosphere open and conducive to learning. Barry Westling

Hi J, I look at it this way: "What resources are avilable and from those, what are the best ways and activities to use with this particular class at this specific time. It will vary from class to class. And we can't be afraid to experiment with unfamilar media choices. Some of my best have come from a bit of experimentation. Barry Westling

Hi J, Sounds like a good strategy. And I would add that if the course goals and student learning objectives are well written, the course should include the contemporay topics. This illustrates the need and benefit of an ongoing review and analysis of the course content we're expected to teach. Barry Westling

Hi Ashlee, Great uses and sound like they benefit you in your instructional journeys. Changes for the future, some call a wish list, often are simply fututure realities that could be lost forever if not recorded somewhere. The journal is a handy place for that! Barry Westling

Hi Sara, You're right. Reinforcing responsibility and holding students accountable for their assignments (and grades) is an indication of study, effort, character, responsiveness, sacrifice, scholarship and merit. EC mostly diminshes these important attributes. Barry Westling

Hi Charlene, Right! And perhaps, that is the best motivation by the student. There are non-tangible ways to recognize outstanding performance, such as peer recognition, displaying an aspect of the project, having the student read, recite, or present all or part of their EC creation. These types of recognition, although not reflected in a grade, can be long lasting and perhaps, even exceed the inspirational or motivation factor a student receives. "Intent vs. content". (Intent - extra credit; content - what a student learns). Barry Westling

Hi James, That's unfortunate. Even so, I'm sure you have lattitude in your delivery, which creative teachers can use to enhance the lesson, even when there are constricting guidelines the teacher must adhere to. Barry Westling